Blackburn Rovers have vowed to take additional measures to ensure safety of players, supporters and staff amid ongoing civil unrest.
With one arrest made last Saturday, Blackburn has only seen small disruptions. However, the nation’s huge disruption has increased pressure on football clubs to ensure the safety of their supporters this weekend.
Rovers’ statement comes ahead of the club’s opening game of the new EFL Championship season tonight, when they face Derby County at Ewood Park.
In the midst of huge protests, physical disturbance, and demonstrations, senior executives were invited to an official level with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.
Several regulatory organisations across the Premier League and English Football League attended a meeting to consider the potential for sporting events to be impacted by current rioting.
Community cohesion and calming the rising tensions were a central focus of the meeting.
A statement from the club said: “As clubs have been busily preparing for football’s return, we have unfortunately witnessed some unsavoury scenes in towns and cities up and down the country that nobody wants to see a repeat of.
“Blackburn Rovers is proud to place itself at the heart of the local community and we aim to use our platform to support people from the town and surrounding areas, alongside providing a sense of identity, family and togetherness.
“Our regular safety and stewarding operation will be in place ahead of our season opener against Derby County, with increased searches outside the stadium for our first home game. It is therefore encouraged that supporters arrive early.
As we do for every game at Ewood Park, the team will take whatever extra precautions that are required to guarantee the security of all of our players, fans, employees, and outside agencies.
“The club values this above all else, and we all want to make it a friendly, enjoyable place for everyone to be.”
“We are therefore calling for unity and togetherness as we kick-off a season of celebration at Ewood Park to mark the 30th anniversary of our Premier League title triumph.”
Leave a Reply