Police have issued two dispersal orders ahead of tonight’s Oxford United game away to Reading, with more protests expected from the home fans against their owner.
The orders in place give the police more power to deal with anti-social behaviour or disorder that takes place around the game.
The dispersal order covers Reading FC’s Select Car Leasing Stadium from 4 p.m. to midnight today (December).
Reading town centre is covered under the order from noon today (December 12) until 3 a.m. tomorrow (December 13).
Tonight’s clash will be the first league encounter between the two sides in more than 20 years, and Royals supporters are expected to use the game as a chance to further protest against the club’s owner.
Tennis balls have been thrown onto the pitch, while fans have led protests before games.
Under the ownership of Dai Yongge, the Royals have been deducted 16 points, and in their televised Emirates FA Cup second-round defeat at Eastleigh, supporters threw tennis balls and fake bank notes onto the pitch after 16 minutes had been played.
Section 35 dispersal powers can be used by police officers and designated PCSOs to deal with individuals aged 10 or over engaging in anti-social behavior, crime, or disorder not only when it has happened but when it is likely to occur.
If a person does not disperse and leave the designated area when instructed to do so, they are liable to be arrested.
Superintendent Lee Barnham, silver operational commander for the Reading FC game, said: “These dispersal orders are in place solely as a preventative measure for any anti-social behaviour or disorder that takes place surrounding the game.
“By activating these plans, officers have more options at their disposal to move people out of the area to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder or people being subjected to harassment, alarm, or distress.
“We want to ensure that fans coming to enjoy the game, residents, and the wider public feel safe when visiting the town.
“Officers will be out and about throughout the day and on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have; feel free to stop them for a chat.”
This comes after two Reading fans were arrested after a missile was thrown onto the pitch in their last match against Barnsley on Saturday (December 9).
A 19-year-old man from Mortimer was arrested on suspicion of throwing a missile.
A 30-year-old man from Arborfield was arrested on suspicion of possessing a flare at a sporting event.
Both men have been released on bail.
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