NORWICH Police are today appealing for football fans from Norwich and Ipswich to help make sure this Sunday's Derby Day match is enjoyable and safe for everyone.

NORWICH Police are today appealing for football fans from Norwich and Ipswich to help make sure this Sunday's Derby Day match is enjoyable and safe for everyone.

The match between Norwich City and Ipswich Town is due to take place at Carrow Road on Sunday, from noon.

Officers will be policing the ground and surrounding area before, during, and after the event.

Supt Jim Smerdon said: “We recognise that this is a big game of the year which hundreds of spectators will be looking forward to.

“We appreciate that there will be high spirits among both sets of fans and policing will be firm but fair to ensure it is a safe day for everyone and we would urge all fans to act in a responsible manner.

“We will deal positively with any problems but we know the majority of fans want to support their team and we are expecting a trouble-free environment as we saw in the last two local Derby Days in March 2004 and February last year.

“This is a family occasion for fans of all ages.”

Norwich Police have been working in conjunction with Ipswich Town supporters groups, Norwich City Football Club, British Transport Police and Suffolk Constabulary to make sure the event is well co-ordinated.

Supt Smerdon said: “As with any high-profile event, considerable time has been devoted to planning how we can ensure this match is a fun and trouble-free event for everyone.

“We have an excellent relationship with Norwich City Football Club and have been and will continue to work closely with them to provide a well-planned, co-ordinated operation.

“We have committed extra police resources for the day and will be managing the movements of the crowd and supporters of both teams have been informed about how this will work.”