Over the last few months, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford Football Club have been working closely to plan for this weekend's derby fixture against Luton Town on Sunday 23 February.

The constabulary’s aim is always to support the club in creating a safe environment for fans of all ages to attend Vicarage Road Stadium and enjoy a game of football. With this in mind, you are likely to see a significant policing presence around the fixture.

As with many local derby games around the country, passion often runs high - which can, on occasion, cause points of conflict. Although the majority of supporters attending are genuinely there to enjoy the day, there are a minority who may be intent on acting in an anti-social manner. 

Officers will be stationed inside and outside the football ground. If anyone has any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to them. 

At the end of the fixture, measures will be put in place to ensure both home and away fans are able to leave the stadium safely.

Designated stadium exit routes will be communicated directly to Watford supporters before the weekend.

For the fans who do not wish to follow an allocated route, there will be the opportunity to remain within the stadium and await the announcement that Vicarage Road is reopened. This announcement will be by Tannoy and is expected to be made within approximately 10 minutes of the match finishing. Refreshment kiosks will remain open within each of the home stand areas of the stadium.

We would like to express in advance our thanks for your anticipated co-operation. We do appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but we will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.

Enjoy the match.

Yours sincerely,

Chief Superintendent Nev Hanks 

Hertfordshire Constabulary

&

Ian Pope

Head of Operations & Facilities, Watford Football Club