Merseyside Police take action on Grand National fears, collaborating with Liverpool FC.
Police forces in Liverpool are expected to increase their presence this week as they prepare for two major events – the Europa League quarter-final match between Liverpool and Atalanta at Anfield, and the Randox Grand National Festival. Liverpool, with a successful season so far, is gearing up to host Atalanta at Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on the same day as the Grand National Festival. In light of potential clashes among football and horse racing fans, Merseyside Police are reportedly planning to deploy undercover operations to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
Amid Liverpool’s strong season and their pursuit of a treble, with Jurgen Klopp’s team also competing in the Europa League, preparations for the upcoming match against Atalanta are underway. Merseyside Police have also detailed a comprehensive plan to manage the expected influx of fans and minimize any potential clashes between different groups in the city. The city is anticipated to witness significant activity due to the simultaneous events, raising concerns about potential conflict, especially with Atalanta’s history of involvement in violent incidents.
As a result, Merseyside Police are taking proactive measures to address these concerns, including coordinating with the football clubs and their supporters to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Merseyside Police have affirmed their commitment to supporting large sporting events while prioritizing safety and minimizing disruptions. Their policing plan for the match includes uniformed and plain-clothes officers, as well as specialized resources such as CCTV, the dog section, and mounted police, in addition to a city centre policing plan.
Overall, the authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all those attending the events in Liverpool this week, aiming to facilitate an enjoyable and incident-free experience for football and horse racing fans alike.
