POLICE are gearing up to ensure tonight’s FA Cup game at FC Halifax Town passes off without incident.

Officers have liaised with officials from both Halifax and Chester FC, in the wake of serious crowd disorder at Saturday’s game.

The match ended 1-1 and will mean a replay at The Shay tonight.

But both clubs and police have urged supporters to be on their best behaviour, as the investigation continued into the violence.

It is rare for non-league games to be tarnished with hooligan problems.

But three people were arrested and several others ejected from Chester’s Exacta Stadium during the match on Saturday.

It is believed a group of Halifax supporters – who had been assigned the entire West Stand in a segregation plan – ran across the pitch to confront home supporters in another stand.

Police and stewards twice had to break up fights between rival factions.

A spokesman for Chester FC said: “We saw some unsavoury events at the Exacta Stadium, involving individuals amongst the travelling supporters.

“Chester FC totally condemn the actions of those individuals and the club are presently working together with FC Halifax Town and Cheshire Police to help identify them.

“As the club had earlier stated, FC Halifax Town had advised Chester FC of the ‘unruly element’ that may be travelling and this information was shared with Cheshire Police.

“The club will also have a further conversation with the police to ascertain why certain individuals were not removed from the Stadium.

“It is worth noting at this point that Cheshire Police praised the actions of the stewards, who did everything that was asked of them.”

The spokesman added: “We would like to thank Chester fans and the great majority of Halifax fans for remaining behind the perimeter wall in their stand in what was a very provocative situation.

“We look forward to a good natured FA Cup replay now at The Shay.”

West Yorkshire Police said they had received reports of the incidents and were working with both clubs on the arrangements for tonight’s match.