Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan of the Metropolitan Police has sent a warning to protesters that they will be dealt with a “speedy and robust” response if they try to disrupt Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
The Met and British Transport Police are to join forces with specialist football officers from Manchester and there will be around 1,200 officers deployed.
Police from Greater Manchester “who now their fans” will attempt to stop any tensions that might take place between Manchester City and Manchester United supporters.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Adelekan told PA news agency, “Anyone that comes to disrupt the FA Cup Final will be met with the same sort of response that we have had, which will be rather speedy and robust to make sure that actually we minimise any disruption to the FA Cup Final and prevent it if we possibly can, as well.
“We’ve got 1,200 officers situated in and around Wembley, we’ve got officers situated inside, those are the plans that we have.
“Protest is legal, but protest that strays into criminal behaviour is illegal and will be met with the response that you have seen.
“People are likely to be removed and possibly get arrested.”
He then asked about fan tensions on derby day, Adelekan said, “We have got dedicated football officers from Greater Manchester Police who know their fans, there is no intelligence to suggest that (there will be significant violence) at all.
“We’ve got a significant amount of officers in place, we have been working with the FA, British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police and a whole host of other partners just to make sure everyone has a safe and secure day.
“The plan starts tomorrow (Friday) because we are expecting people to come into town tomorrow.
“We also have a policing plan that is comprehensive for tomorrow as well.”
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