Notts County hosted Chesterfield at Meadow Lane at 8 pm on Tuesday with a place in the Wembley final on the line, as a capacity crowd was expected for the second leg of the League Two play-off semi-finals. The hosts went into the match holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers would be on hand to help ensure the night ran smoothly and to deal firmly with anyone who tried to spoil it. Superintendent Louise Clarke said people should not allow their emotions to get the better of them, adding that most supporters would be there simply to enjoy the football and head home without trouble.
The policing appeal came after two fans were charged this week over disorder linked to a Notts and Chesterfield match earlier this season. Police said the earlier trouble broke out in Nottingham city centre after the League Two tie on 14 March had finished, and that the UK Football Policing Unit supported the investigation.
Officers arrested two suspects on Wednesday 13 May. Charlie Miller, 29, from Tibshelf, Alfreton, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons were both charged with Section 4 public order offences. Miller is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 4 June, while the teenager is due in the same court on 1 June.
Both were bailed with strict conditions that prevent them from attending any Notts County match or from being in the vicinity of any ground where Notts are playing, home or away, in the hours before and after kick-off. Clarke said violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated, and that the charges should serve as a warning to anyone tempted to get involved.
The clash mattered beyond one night at Meadow Lane because the winner moved a step away from Wembley, and the police wanted the football to be the focus rather than a repeat of March’s disorder. Clarke said officers were there to engage with both sets of supporters and make sure they could watch the match safely before going home.
That is the balance Nottinghamshire Police was trying to strike: a packed play-off tie, a big prize and a large away following, but also a clear line for anyone who mistook atmosphere for permission. The message from the force was simple — enjoy the football, or face the consequences.
