Leeds United v Huddersfield Town: Policing will be ‘firm but friendly’

Dec 5 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Nine people were arrested on the day of the same fixture last season for offences including being drunk and disorderly and breach of a football banning order, but there were no major problems.

Insp Waugh added: “It will be policed in a firm but friendly way. It’s a big occasion and I hope people enjoy it responsibly.”

West Yorkshire Police would not say how many officers will be assigned to police today’s game.

A spokesman said: “West Yorkshire Police will ensure proper policing is provided for the game as it does all football matches.

“Any offences which are seen to be committed will be dealt with positively.”

Hooligan Huddersfield Town fans were blamed for vandalising the statue of Leeds United hero Bremner.

The memorial, outside Leeds’s Elland Road ground, was sprayed with ‘HYC’ – the initials of the ‘firm’ Huddersfield Young Casuals.

Staff also found blue paint daubed across the face and body of the 9ft bronze statue.

It happened before Leeds beat Town 4-0.

It came just a day after the 10th anniversary of Bremner’s death at the age of 54.

The statue was later cleaned by Huddersfield-based surface restoring cleaning company CC Surface Restorers in return for a donation to Kirkwood Hospice.