POLICE are drafting in mounted sections and additional support ahead of the Middlesbrough versus Leeds United game on Wednesday.

The game, being played at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, is seen as an historical derby and can bring fan disorder.

Cleveland officers have been working closely with the football club and have called on extra support from the mounted sections at Northumbria and West Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police.

Match commander, Superintendent Sharon Cooney, said: “We’re hoping for an enjoyable game for all those attending, although we’re not ignorant that there have been incidents of disorder at previous Middlesbrough FC and Leeds United games and we are prepared for that should that happen.

The Northern Echo:

Middlesbrough FC Riverside Stadium

“No matter how many tickets are allocated to the visiting side, there are always a minority who attend matches intent on causing disorder.

"We will look to deal with this appropriately and if behaviour warrants it, we may ask the fans to hold back at the end of the match." She added: “Our primary aim is to ensure that safety of everyone in and around the area and to facilitate a friendly and enjoyable day for all the genuine fans and their families who are attending.”

There will be dogs trained to search for drugs and pyrotechnics will be at the stadium and anyone found to be in possession of either will not be permitted to enter and risk facing criminal proceedings.

A dispersal order will be in place in the Middlesbrough town centre area including the Riverside Stadium, giving police additional powers to disperse any groups who may be causing a disturbance for a period of 24 hours.

Leeds United fans who are travelling to Middlesbrough prior to or after the game are encouraged to gather at Spensley’s Emporium on Albert Road.

For further updates on the game, follow @ClevelandPolice and @ClePolFootball on Twitter.