Police have issued an important message to Nottingham Forest fans ahead of the East Midlands derby at the City Ground.
The highly-anticipated match will kick off on Saturday, January 22 at 12.30pm.
It comes as Derby County fight relegation after a significant points deduction, all while the future of the club remains extremely uncertain off the pitch.
This means there is a possibility it could be the last East Midlands derby for a while, with Nottingham Forest pushing for promotion to the Premier League.
Nottinghamshire Police says its officers will be present at the match and will be working closely with both clubs, as well as engaging with supporters, residents, and local businesses on the day, to try to make sure spectators enjoy the matchday experience safely.
Nottinghamshire Police's match commander has urged supporters "not to let their emotions get the better of them" and stated they will have a zero-tolerance policy on any hate crime connected to the match.
Chief Inspector Neil Williams, match commander of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We know that, for Forest and Derby fans, these matches are the ones that both sets of supporters look out for at the start of the season, so we want to make sure that everyone enjoys the day as much as possible.
“As always, both sets of fans will be desperate to see their side win and claim the local bragging rights, but whilst we understand that it’s a big occasion, we’d ask that people enjoy the game and don’t go overboard.
“The police appreciate that the vast majority of fans attending the match will look to enjoy the day and cheer their side on, however, policing resources will be available to keep people safe, in the event of crime or disorder taking place.
“We have spoken with fan groups to seek their thoughts on the game and have welcomed their comments and incorporated them into our policing plans.
“We’ll be there to support fans and both clubs to provide an enjoyable day for all in attendance.
“Our officers will take positive action against the small minority who are intent on spoiling the event for the vast majority. Our focus will be to work with fans and the club to ensure that those coming to the event have an enjoyable day at a significant sporting event for the region.”
Road closures will be in place close to the City Ground on Lady Bay Bridge before and after the game, so officers are asking that drivers avoid that area during these times.
This will be the first time the two clubs meet at the City Ground since fans were allowed back into stadiums and, coupled with the circumstances the clubs find themselves in, it means this match means a lot to both sets of fans.
Ch Insp Williams continued: “I appreciate that this will be the first match back at the City Ground between Forest and Derby since fans returned to stadiums, and that this could potentially be the last derby for some time, but it is important that fans don’t allow their emotions to get the better of them.
“There will also be zero-tolerance to any acts of hate crime connected to the match, including anything offensive posted on social media before, during or after the tie.
“Again though, I would add that we recognise that the vast majority of fans will simply be going to the game to enjoy the day and the local rivalry, so I would ask for everyone to do precisely that.”
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