Super League opener between Hull FC and Hull KR set for increased police presence

Five weeks out from the Super League opener it’s been confirmed in the ticketing information that the Hull FC and Hull KR derby clash will see segregated fans and an increased police presence too.

It’s always a game that sets the temperatures rising given the close proximity and huge rivalry between the teams, some households even split between if they’re red and white or black and white.

Whilst that passion and rivalry is what makes the sport so great it often can be taken too far and clash at the MKM Stadium on Good Friday was an example of that.

Ugly scenes in the crowds between fans distracted from what was an emphatic Hull KR victory, Willie Peters’ side running out as 40-0 victors with the Black and Whites capitulating on their right edge.

As such the two clubs have had to confirm that extra security and police will be present at the game to ensure nothing of the same nature occurs again, the traveling Robins fans also having to be segregated and separated.

In their announcement to fans regarding how to acquire tickets both clubs have relayed the information that Hull FC are working with Humberside Police and the Stadium Management Company to try ensure fan safety.

Because of the segregated blocks of fans and due to issues last year Hull KR will receive an allocation of just 3,750 in a stadium that would ordinarily have a capacity of over 25,500.

Hull KR confirmed in their statement: “Hull KR will receive an allocation of 3,750 tickets across North Stand blocks 2 to 7, and East Stand blocks 1 – 3. Supporters are reminded that there is fixed segregation within the concourse between North and East Stand. Additionally, new segregation has been installed at the MKM Stadium which will split the North Stand into two blocks.

“Following a number of behaviour issues between supporters at the Good Friday tie last year, the club will receive NO further ticket allocations. No tickets will be issued to Hull KR supporters in the West Upper. Tickets for this area will only be available via Hull FC to supporters with a purchase history via Hull FC’s ticketing platform within the last three years.”

Meanwhile Hull FC provided key information on how the fans will be policed and kept safe during the game, their statement reading: “Due to anti-social behaviour amongst away supporters at last season’s Good Friday Derby, the club are working with Humberside Police and the SMC to implement several additional safety and security measures that will be in place at this fixture to ensure a safe environment for all supporters

“An increased police and stewarding presence will be in force in and around the stadium before, during and after the match to further ensure the safety of all supporters present.

“Supporters are advised that additional security measures including sniffer dogs, trained to detect pyrotechnics and illegal substances, will be in operation outside the ground. Hull FC holds a zero tolerance policy on pyrotechnics and drugs. Any supporters displaying such behaviour will be refused entry/ejected from the ground.”

Tickets go on sale at 9:00am tomorrow morning for Hull FC fans, whilst Hull KR have confirmed that they don’t expect any tickets to make it to general sale with members set to take up their allocation.