Suffolk Constabulary are warning supporters that there could be delays and movement restrictions around the ground when Leeds United visit Portman Road on Saturday.

The last time the sides met, at Elland Road at the end of the 2006/07 season, the game was held up for 30 minutes after Leeds fans staged a pitch invasion and threw coins and other missiles at Town’s travelling support.

Chief Inspector Paul Bradford, who is overseeing a policing operation involving more than 100 police officers, called on supporters to behave in a responsible manner: “This will be an exciting game for both teams.

“We hope that people celebrate the match sensibly and in the right spirit. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, violence, racial chanting, mindless vandalism or any alcohol-fuelled disorder.

“We will continue our use of firm but fair policing to ensure the safety of those attending the game and those members of the public wishing to go about their normal business.”

Fans are warned to be prepared for crowd and traffic congestion and disruption on the day. Car sharing and the use of public transport is suggested, while the Portman Road car park will be used for the away supporters coaches, limiting space.

Photo: Action Images

MaySixth added 15:21 - Sep 29 Leeds and West Ham will be mixing at Liverpool Street
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whoppit added 15:21 - Sep 29 Should ban Leeds !!! Disgraceful fans.
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stiffshorts added 15:24 - Sep 29 I was at Elland Rd for that game. Most disgraceful set of "fans" ever. We were pelted with 2p coins soon after we scored. There was a feeling of intimidation throughout the ground. I also disabled supporters at the front of us having to duck the scum who were throwing half full plastic bottles of water etc. Filth. Afterwards on way back to car I saw a number of our younger fans who were wearing town shirts getting spat on and verbally abused. And a fact not reported in the wider press, LUFC were NEVER charged and fined for that disgrace becuase they were already going through financial problems so the FA let them off. An utter disgrace to the football fraternity. I hate Leeds.

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stiffshorts added 15:26 - Sep 29 But; we should never to sink their gutter level and I hope our fans behave in the proper manner. We have a proud tradition of good behaviour and long may it continue.
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Keano_COYB added 16:53 - Sep 29 Why would Leeds fans be at Liverpool St!?
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TractorRoyNo1 added 17:13 - Sep 29 doh because there are lots of yorkshire folk in the london area? have you ever attempted to get to suffolk from the midlands or the north by train? Keano_COYB added 16:53 - Sep 29 Why would Leeds fans be at Liverpool St!?
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Back_The_Boss added 18:16 - Sep 29 The 2006-2007 match was discpicable. Lets just hope there isn't a repeat of what happened.
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factual_blue added 18:18 - Sep 29 Leeds to Ipwsich by train doesn't involve Liverpool Street. Change at Peterborough and (depending on which train you from there) Cambridge. Bad news for those travelling on the Cambridge to Ipswich line.
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Keano_COYB added 18:21 - Sep 29 TractorRoyNo1 - Funnily enough yes I have, and considering I work for the railway I do have a better knowledge where most Leeds fans will come down from. He also stated that a mixing of fans at a Major London station, well have you ever been down London on a Saturday? There are football fans and shirts if all different kinds and colours.. And rarely any problems
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BlueJewells added 19:24 - Sep 29 Leeds scum
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alitfc added 20:55 - Sep 29 We shouldn't tar every Leeds fan with the same brush as those mindless people you all speak of, I have been to Elland road 4 times, we have won twice drawn once and lost once, in those visits I never encountered any trouble.
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jas0999 added 21:14 - Sep 29 Totally agree with alitfc - yes the events at Leeds were totally disgraceful, but please lets not forget that a high number of leeds fans stayed sitting booing their counterparts. I know a number of Leeds fans - all of whom felt the need to apologise on behalf of their club after that event. Not all Leeds fans should be tarnished with the same reputation, but equally the Police are right to issue a warning.

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Keaneish added 23:02 - Sep 29 Probably the same Leeds fans who sing through a minutes silence as well.
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ITFCcharmer added 23:10 - Sep 29 It's always the same - the minority of idiots that at times behave like animals, give the majority of true football fans a bad name! Don't get me wrong I still hope we beat the "Dirty Leeds" but I'm confident that the majority of Leeds fans are like us, passionate about football and passionate about their home team.
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Ely_Blue added 06:07 - Sep 30 Oh well that's made my decision on train or car from Ely. I don't think I will risk a train of Leeds nutters on the way back when they lose!!
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yorksblue added 10:36 - Sep 30 I've worked at Elland Rd for a few years, assessing stewards. It's the most intimidating place I've ever encountered, full or mindless morons, and the fans aren't much better!
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pitseablue added 12:35 - Sep 30 yorksblue.......I like it !
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jonnyd added 14:31 - Sep 30 [Quote] Totally agree with alitfc - yes the events at Leeds were totally disgraceful, but please lets not forget that a high number of leeds fans stayed sitting booing their counterparts. [Quote] As I Leeds fan can say that the majority of supporters at that game we disgusted by the actions of our so called 'fans'. I'm sure Ipswich have the same problem as Leeds that when a big game comes along all the idiots come out of the woodwork. The away ticket distribution to Leeds fans is strictly controlled with 85% going to season ticket holders only. The horrible people that attacked the Ipswich fans that day ran mostly from the casual ticket areas of the ground. Whilst we stood in the stand boooing the minority on the field. The majority of fans going this weekend will be decent, loyal supporters - not the idiots that were around that day. That said, I'm looking forward to what should be good game this weekend, with a good atmosphere. Hopefully our Bruce and Naylor combo will come back to haunt you :-P Does anyone know of any good street parking nearby?

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dobbie73 added 15:50 - Sep 30 Jonnyd - there is a biggish car park on Portman Road itself, but I am not sure how much it costs and whether or not it is open to home and away fans (I guess it probably is). As for street parking .... can't really think of anywhere that close or convenient! Anyone else? I always walk in, lol! To be honest, you'd probably be best off getting the train. The ground is only 5 mins walk from the station, and there is a pub on the way! And if you do come down much earlier, the town centre is only a further 5 mins from the ground and there are more pubs and eats there. Just be aware that there will likely be restrictions on away fans (there normally are anyway) in certain pubs, especially if you are wearing colours ...

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moomoosereni added 17:07 - Sep 30 Jonny D. Street parking near the ground is tricky because of the stadium being in such a Town Centre area. Having said that park somewhere near ranelagh road, burrell road or bottom end of Birkfield Drive and you havent got too far to walk after the game and will beat a bit of the nightmare traffic you experience if you park in the portman road car park!
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Acen added 17:57 - Sep 30 Not all Leeds fans are scum.
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