Joint operation in place for York City vs Boston United

The police and football club will work together on a joint approach to ensure the safety of all attending Saturdays promotional final.

North Yorkshire Police and York City Football Club are proud that the club have reached the promotional final. The police and football club are aware that during recent home fixtures a small minority of spectators have acted inappropriately, and at times inexcusably. Under no circumstances will behaviour that causes alarm or distress towards others be tolerated. Stewards will be working with officers to ensure that every spectator can enjoy the game in a safe environment.

Individuals found attempting to enter the ground with or in possession of any flares, smoke devices or other pyrotechnics will be refused entry, removed from the ground and banned from attending future York City matches. Spectators attending the game will be encouraged to make use of the amnesty bins that will be at the stadium. These will be used to give people the chance to dispose of any items which may be used in an anti-social way.

Those who encroach the pitch either during or after the match will face ejection, future bans and possible prosecutions as part of our zero-tolerance stance.

York Chief Inspector Fiona Willey from North Yorkshire Police commented on the wider policing operation planned for the City of York on Saturday:

“The events planned for Saturday will significantly increase the footfall across the City of York. As well as the usual residents and tourists, we are expecting to see large crowds at both York Races and the York City football match.  

“In preparation for the anticipated higher demand we have increased the number of officers that we will deploy on Saturday. As part of the planned response members of the public should expect to see high visibility patrols across the city. They should be reassured that this is in place so we can ensure the safety of all.”

Manager of York City Football Club, John Askey has issued this message to fans ahead of Saturdays match: 

“Games like these don’t come around very often. We have a chance to win promotion on our home soil. It is now time for everyone to unite as a collective and spur our team on to give them the best chance of succeeding.

“Whilst doing so I would ask each one of you to show respect for each other and behave in a way that is fitting of a York fan.

“Please enjoy and help to make it a great and memorable occasion for all the right reasons.

“Thank you all for your support this season it is very much appreciated by myself staff and players.”