Wrexham and Chester fans could see the ‘bubble’ burst if derby match is trouble free

A police boss is urging Wrexham and Chester fans to be on their best behaviour ahead of the derby match on Saturday.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones would like to see a lifting of restrictions on fans next season – but that will only happen if there’s no major trouble

The cross-border Conference Premier clash at the Racecourse has been designated as a so-called  “bubble match” for the fourth season in a row.

As a result, away fans can only attend the televised game if they travel on officially organised coaches.

The same will apply in reverse for the return fixture at the Deva Stadium later in the season.

According to North Wales Police and their counterparts in Cheshire, it’s being done  in the interests of safety.

In a joint statement last month, the two forces and the two clubs revealed the restrictions could be reviewed with a possible return to normal policing arrangements if there’s no trouble at the two games this season.

[miptheme_quote author=”Wrexham AFC, Chester FC, North Wales Police and Cheshire Police joint statement ” style=”boxquote text-left”]Following joint planning meetings in relation to the Wrexham AFC and Chester FC fixtures for the coming season, all parties, including Chester and Wrexham Football Clubs, Cheshire Police and North Wales Police have agreed that in the continued interests of safety, both games will remain all ticket, with supporters travelling to the matches on officially organised coaches. [/miptheme_quote]

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, said:

“I’m hoping both sets of fans will behave and ensure that the rivalry remains good-natured on Saturday and at the return game at the Deva Stadium.

“If things go well, it looks as if this bubble business with the restrictions on travelling fans can be lifted which would be great news.

Wrexham v Chester Games To Be Bubbled Again – Despite PCC Opposition

“However, it’s clear, if any trouble kicks off on Saturday, the bubble will continue and and will continue to spoil the atmosphere at these derby matches.

“Football has changed a great deal over the years and there’s a lot less trouble now than there was in the 1980s.

“Clubs have tightened their procedures and the law has been strengthened so a lot of hooligans have been banned from football matches, many of them for life.

“These days the hooligan element is small but every single fan who goes to the match is subject to civil and human rights restrictions on their ability to move freely around.

“My view is that we should seek to normalise the arrangements and go back to traditional policing.

Chief officers at North Wales Police have told Mr Jones they are looking to ‘normalise’ the derby match from next season with standard kick off times and independent travel for fans.

This season Wrexham’s home match will take place with a 12.15pm kick off because of to live TV coverage, the reverse fixture at Chester home fixture have a 3pm kick off.

Both of this seasons games will remain subject to ‘safe transport’ arrangements in an effort to reduce any potential for disorder.

During the last three seasons there’s been decline in the number of people arrested at the fixtures and a noticeable absence of any disorder or disruption to the communities outside of the two stadiums.