British Transport Police (
BTP▸ ) officers look forward to welcoming thousands of fans using the rail network to get to and from Sunday^s Carling Cup Final between Cardiff City and Liverpool.
BTP officers, together with our partners in the rail industry, will focus on ensuring the safe travel of both sets of football fans, together with other passengers, on the rail network into and out of London and the three Wembley stations.
In total, 90,000 fans are expected to make their way to Wembley Stadium in North London to watch the game, with a significant number of them using trains to reach the venue for the 4pm kick off.
Officers will be patrolling on board trains alongside travelling fans to ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible for all passengers and rail staff.
Throughout Sunday, 26 February, alcohol WILL NOT be allowed on board ANY trains in either direction between South Wales and London, while it is banned on the London Underground Network at all times.
Anyone attempting to bring alcohol on board could find themselves being removed from the train, officers are warning.
BTP^s Sector Commander for Wales, Chief Inspector Sandra England, said: "Sunday promises to be a great day for Cardiff fans and our officers will be helping everyone to enjoy it, as well as ensuring everyone travels to and from the game safely.
^Throughout the day, we will have officers patrolling stations and on board trains between South Wales and London and will not tolerate intimidating or anti-social behaviour from those intent on spoiling the day for others.
^Trains can become extremely busy during major sporting events such as this and we would urge fans to consider other passengers at all times.
^We appreciate the vast majority are always well behaved ^ but we are warning anyone who steps out of line while travelling on the rail network will be dealt with by our officers.
"Not only are they risking a court appearance, they also risk missing out on seeing the match.^
Chief Inspector England added: ^We want everyone travelling to and from the match to enjoy themselves but we know from experience that some fans can get caught up in the excitement of the day and this, combined with alcohol, can result in some less-than-desirable behaviour.
^We^re asking fans to show some consideration for others on board the train and to moderate their language and behaviour - but above all to enjoy the day.^
A First Great Western spokesperson said: "First Great Western have put on extra services to help fans get to the game and we hope the club and supporters alike enjoy a great day out.
^We do advise fans check their train times carefully, as engineering work taking place on that day means the journey will take longer than they might normally expect."
BTP^s tips for football fans:
Do:
Allow plenty of time for getting to and from the game as there will be long queues for trains
Keep your language clean
Enjoy the game and have a great day out
Don^t:
Take alcohol on train services into or out of London Paddington on Sunday ^ it^s banned and officers will be at stations and travelling on services to enforce the rule
Leave it until the last minute to go from your meeting place to the stadium
Miss the game because you^ve been arrested for anti-social behaviour
For National Rail Enquiries visit:
www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50
