Dispersal order in place ahead of Middlesbrough vs Southampton

The dispersal order will be in place to deter disorder and anti-social behaviour.

It comes amid heightened tensions around the fixture after Boro caught what they believed to be a Southampton staff member spying on the training on Thursday.

The order will be in place from 8am on Saturday (May 9) to 8am on Sunday (May 10) and applies not just to areas around the Riverside, but stretches across most of the town.

A dispersal order has been put in place across parts of Middlesbrough for 24 hours starting from 8am tomorrow (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Football fans can expect to see a high police presence, including specialist drug dogs.

Cleveland Police said this is to “protect and ensure the safety of everyone who is there to attend and support the match.”

Police have reminded supporters of the dangers of pyrotechnics like flares and smoke bombs. Carrying or using a pyrotechnic is an offence and can result in having a criminal record, a potential prison sentence or being banned from the stadium.

PC Chris Hilton, part of Cleveland Police’s football operations, said: “While the majority of footballs fans have the intention of coming to or supporting the match safely and responsibly, it is important we have officers in and around the stadium and town centre to provide reassurance and respond to disorder or criminal behaviour.

“I want to take this opportunity to remind fans that searches may take place for pyrotechnics or drugs and those in possession of them will be dealt with appropriately, and there will be a dispersal order in place as a precaution.

“In the meantime, I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe time.”

A sell-out crowd will be hoping Kim Hellberg’s side can take a lead going into their second leg away at Southampton on Tuesday, and easing their route to a place in the play-off final.