Police urge Rams and Forest fans to enjoy Saturday's match peacefully

Derbyshire Constabulary is urging fans who attend the Derby County versus Nottingham Forest match not to spoil the occasion through bad behaviour.

The two teams meet at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday January 30th 2010. The kick-off for the match has been brought forward to 1pm.

Derbyshire police have put plans in place alongside both clubs and colleagues in Nottinghamshire to make sure the game is a success and any potential trouble is prevented.

Superintendent Kul Mahay, who's in charge of the policing operation for the match, said: "This is the one match that fans from both sides of the Brian Clough Way look for when the fixtures come out and we know it is a big deal for all concerned.

"The match will be a sell-out and because of the rivalry between the clubs and fans we expect a charged atmosphere but that isn't an excuse for violent or aggressive behaviour.

"Our aim is to police the match, the city and surrounding areas in a fair way that ensures people enjoy it in a safe environment without any fear. But rest assured people who seek to ignore that and want to create trouble will be dealt with.

"We will have significant resources in place both inside the ground and elsewhere and we'll be working closely with Derby County, Nottinghamshire Police and our colleagues in the British Transport Police to ensure there are sufficient resources in place to deal with any disorder. My focus is to ensure that people see this as a successful day whatever the result."

Thousands of Nottingham Forest fans will be attending the game and they are being reminded that there will be no alcohol on sale in the away concourses at half-time.

A special train is also being provided from Derby station to Nottingham at 15:21 with additional capacity. Increased resources from British Transport Police will be in place to police trains and railway stations to ensure the safety of and minimise the disruption to genuine supporters and commuters.

Police in Derbyshire will be sending out warning letters to known troublemakers telling them to stay away from the fixture. Venues showing the match on television will also be contacted and reminded of their licensing obligations.

Supporters are reminded that Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Derbyshire Constabulary and Nottinghamshire Police have joint protocols for people arrested and convicted of football related offences or who commit breaches of ground regulation.

Any arrest, conviction or breach could result in club bans which will prevent individuals attending any future fixtures at Pride Park or the City Ground for a predetermined period.

Fans are reminded not to sell tickets on. Both clubs and the police have been made aware of tickets being touted on the Internet.