Police gearing up for Torquay game

It could see the Gull's demoted

Police say they're continuing to work with Torquay United and Wrexham AFC ahead of this weekend's clash at Plainmoor.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm on Saturday and will be the decider as to whether Torquay gets relegated. To stay up, they're relying on Maidenhead to lose and will need to score seven goals.

There are currently no plans for the game to be televised.

Chief Inspector Ben Asprey, the officer in charge of the operation, said: “We look forward to welcoming Wrexham AFC to Devon on Saturday. Being a Bank Holiday weekend, we expect the area to be busier than usual, so plans are in place to ensure a suitable police response in the area.

“Please do not attend the ground if you do not have a ticket as you will be turned away. Similarly, we are pre-warning Wrexham fans that those who attempt to access the home ends of the stadium on match day run the risk of being refused entry, and away fans who have gained access to the home ends are likely to be ejected from the stadium.”

CI Asprey added: “Our public can expect to see a heightened police presence in Torquay on match day.

“My officers will be there to ensure a safe and peaceful match. Whilst the majority of fans in attendance are a credit to their respective clubs, we will be swift and robust in dealing with anyone who causes trouble; these individuals run the risk of being ejected, arrested, and winding up with a football banning order.”

Sergeant Dave Curtis from the force licensing team added: “We appreciate that there is a huge amount of excitement around Wrexham AFC at this time, and that many of their fans are heading to the area this weekend as they want to be part of this event, even if they do not have a ticket.

“For those fans, there are many pubs and bars in the area that are welcoming of all football fans, this includes some of the bars and pubs in the Strand and Harbourside area of the town. We suggest that away fans contact these pubs and bars in advance to save the disappointment of being turned away on Saturday.

“Pubs in the St Marychurch area of Torquay and those in close proximity of the ground will only accept home fans on match day and away fans will be turned away at the door.”