Police are warning of disruption due to Sunday’s game at Villa Park.
Just three days after full-time is called on Olympic football in Coventry, the West Midlands is set to welcome thousands of fans for the curtain-raiser of the new season.
This Sunday (12th August) will see Premier League champions Manchester City go head-to-head with FA Cup winners Chelsea at Villa Park in the FA Community Shield, with a 1.30pm kick-off.
West Midlands Police has been working with officers from British Transport
Police, along with the Football Association, officials from both clubs and the host club, Aston Villa, to make sure the fixture is memorable for all the right reasons. Supporter groups have also helped shape the large-scale safety operation by sharing their experiences of previous matches.
“We”re a footballing region, so as a force we are used to policing high profile fixtures such as this,” said Chief Superintendent Chris McKeogh, who is heading the police operation. “We have been planning for a long time and speaking to fans, who have helped influence the policing of the fixture.
“With the first silverware of the season to play for, we know emotions will be running high but we are hopeful fans will do their respective clubs proud and enjoy the match in the spirit of friendly rivalry.”
The policing operation, involving officers from across the force, will be managed from the Event Control Suite in south Birmingham.
To speed up arrival and departure times, City fans are being advised to take trains to Witton railway station, while Chelsea supporters are encouraged to board trains for Aston. Those travelling by car are advised to leave extra time for any delays and to remove all valuables from display when they park. There is also likely to be disruption to travellers in the vicinity of Villa Park in the time leading up to the game and for an hour after its scheduled end at around 3.30.