Ipswich Town and Norwich City supporters have been told they can expect a ‘firm, friendly and fair’ policing operation on derby day at Portman Road later this month.

More than 2,000 Norwich fans are expected to make the journey to Ipswich on August 23, with officers calling on both sets of fans to arrive at the ground in plenty of time.

The turnstiles and stadium bars will be open from 10.45am, with kick-off scheduled for 12.15pm.

Policing operations commander, Inspector Matt Rose, said: “We have been working closely with our partners during recent weeks, with officers from Suffolk, Norfolk and British Transport Police working side-by-side on match day to ensure the smooth running of our policing operation.

“We hope that people enjoy the match sensibly and in the right spirit. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, violence, racial chanting, mindless vandalism or any alcohol-fuelled disorder.

“However, we know that the vast majority of fans attending will be there to enjoy the game and we will be there to welcome them. Officers will be approachable and are there to ensure the safety of those attending the game and members of the public wishing to go about their normal business. People intent on causing disorder should remain at home.”

Supporters and the public are also being reminded that there will be planned rail engineering work during the Bank Holiday weekend, but there will be a special match-day rail service for supporters travelling to and from Norwich.

People planning to leave Ipswich by train directly after the match are not expected to be affected by the work.

Access to Portman Road will also be restricted before, during and after the match.

For away fans and people with tickets for the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, entrance will be from the Portman Road and Princes Street junction while entrance to other parts of the ground will be through the Sir Alf Ramsey Way and Handford Road end of Portman Road.

Insp Rose added: “We will be dealing with fans as they would expect to be treated themselves. Our policing style will be firm, friendly and fair.”