Anarchy must not be allowed to destroy football

Despite the idiotic anarchy which has swept England during the last few days – and irrespective of their cause, attending a football match MUST remain a safe, family friendly experience for every single fan otherwise the game as we know it has got no future. West Bromwich Albion has therefore sensibly issued the following advice to United fans going to the opening Premier League game at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

Manchester United fans will be located in the Smethwick End Stand, Block A, which is situated on the south side of the stadium. Main access is via Middlemore Road, which is on the east side of the ground.

Fans should enter through Turnstile Block A. Parking for visitors’ coaches will be in Middlemore Road and access to the stadium is via a ramp leading to the rear of the Smethwick End stand.

Away fans travelling to the ground by other forms of transport are strongly advised to park off Middlemore Road as access to the stadium will be easier. Further, away fans travelling by train or tram are advised to move north along Middlemore Road until they come to the ramp on their left. Access to the rear of the Smethwick End is from the East Stand car park entrance.

The Halfords Lane area will be closed on the advice of the police 90 minutes before the scheduled kick off time at 4pm and access thereafter will be via Middlemore Road and its ramp. Directional signs to assist spectators are displayed at convenient locations around the stadium.

Away fans will need to produce matchday tickets to enter the zone adjacent to Turnstile Block A. The turnstiles will be open at 2.30pm and visiting fans are advised to arrive in good time to gain entry to the stadium prior to kick off.

When the game has ended, segregation gates located at the East Stand car park and the rear of the Smethwick End stand, between the home and away sections, are closed until all away fans have exited the ground via the Middlemore ramp.

In addition, no alcohol will be served to away supporters inside the stadium, as has been the case in previous fixtures between the two clubs. Please understand that mindless cretins cannot be allowed to destroy football and ALL regulations placed by authorities must be completely respected.