Police keen to ensure supporters enjoy Dale v Leeds game

Greater Manchester Police is working closely with Rochdale AFC and Leeds United to ensure all supporters who travel to Rochdale enjoy a good game of football and to ensure this they are advising supporters of both sides that the game is an all ticket match, with a crowd of around 8,000 anticipated.

Fans are advised not to attend if they do not have a ticket and there will be no tickets available on the turnstiles. Any ticket touts will be dealt with robustly by Greater Manchester Police. Fans attending without tickets will be directed to leave the area surrounding the Spotland Stadium.

Police are also keen to ensure that supporters don’t miss the game due to travel disruption. To ensure this is not an issue supporter travelling to the game by train are advised to make use of the free bus service from the Rochdale Train Station to the ground to get to the game, with a similar service arranged for the return journey from the ground. There is no parking available to supporters at Spotland. It is available to permit holders only.

Superintendent Chris Hankinson, Greater Manchester Police Match Commander, said: “The FA Cup third round is a big part of the football calendar for football supporters, we are keen to ensure that all supporters enjoy the game and that no one makes the trip to the game if they don’t have a ticket. If you don’t have a ticket don’t travel to the match. In the interest of safety police will be ensuring that if any away fans have brought tickets in the home section they will not be allowed entry into the ground.

“I am also keen to reassure the local community that we will have extra policing presence around the Rochdale Borough and we will be working with all the key agencies to ensure there is little, if any disruption, to the normal life as a result of this match.”