Chelsea & Leeds players warned by police against provoking fans during Capital One Cup clash

Dec 19, 2012 8:01:00 AM

Ahead of the first meeting of the two rival clubs since May 2004, both Rafael Benitez and Neil Warnock have been urged to help prevent their squad members from inciting supporters

Rafael Bentiez and Neil Warnock will be asked to warn their players not to provoke the supporters during the Capital One Cup quarter-final tie between Chelsea and Leeds United, South Yorkshire Police have confirmed.

The clash at Elland Road is the first time the two rivals clubs have met since May 2004, with police recruiting police intelligence officers after labeling the game as high risk.

Chief Superintendent Paul Money said: "We want both sets of fans to get behind their teams and enjoy the football. We want the focus of the day to be the action on the pitch and for it not to be overshadowed by violence or disorder.

"I will also ask the managers of both teams to speak to the players and ask them to avoid doing anything which may antagonise supporters of the opposition team.


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"Experienced football intelligence officers from the Metropolitan Police will be working alongside West Yorkshire officers to identify any troublemakers. The police will apply for football banning orders to be imposed on anyone convicted of disorder in connection with the game."

Chelsea's away allocation has been cut from 5,000 to a more manageable 3,000 for the game and Leeds boss Warnock has called on both sets of fans to get behind their respective teams in a sensible manner.

"I'm sure the fans will lift the decibels and create a tremendous atmosphere," Warnock told the club's official website.

"It goes without saying while I want the fans to be loud we don't want any of the bad behaviour that we have seen from different sets of fans around the country this season and I ask everyone - both sets of fans - to get behind their own team without any of the unwanted problems."

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