Police issue warning to fans ahead of Middlesbrough versus Leeds United at Riverside Stadium

Cleveland Police have been working with Middlesbrough Football Club to "ensure that it is an enjoyable evening for those attending."

There will be additional police horse support from Northumbria Police, as well as from West Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police.

Match commander, Superintendent Sharon Cooney, said: “We’re hoping for an enjoyable game for all those attending, although we’re not ignorant that there have been incidents of disorder at previous Middlesbrough FC and Leeds United games and we are prepared for that should that happen.

“No matter how many tickets are allocated to the visiting side, there are always a minority who attend matches intent on causing disorder.

"We will look to deal with this appropriately and if behaviour warrants it, we may ask the fans to hold back at the end of the match.

"Refreshments will remain available should this happen and there will be plenty of time for people to catch the last trains."

Supt Cooney said the main aim was to ensure "a friendly and enjoyable day for all the genuine fans and their families who are attending.”

She added: "There will be dogs trained to search for drugs and pyrotechnics will be at the stadium and anyone found to be in possession of either will not be permitted to enter and risk facing criminal proceedings.

"A dispersal order will be in place in the Middlesbrough town centre area including the Riverside Stadium, giving police additional powers to disperse any groups who may be causing a disturbance for a period of 24 hours.

"Leeds United fans who are travelling to Middlesbrough prior to or after the game are encouraged to gather at Spensley’s Emporium on Albert Road."