Police information re: Fiorentina away

[blurred]

This is from the UKFPU (UK Football Policing Unit) after Merseyside plod's pre-match visit to Florence. Just for anyone who's going and may be interested.

 

• Ticket allocation – how many, and at what prices? Which blocks in which stands?

 

Liverpool have been allocated a total of 2,600 tickets this fixture which includes a number of Sponsers. The bulk of the Liverpool supporters will be located in the South/ East stand, this houses a maximum of 2,432.. Access to the outside area of the stadium is via Gates P 12, and then a short walk to enter the stadium through turnstiles 13 and 14 Liverpool Club stewards will be at these locations to assist Liverpool supporters. There is no roof covering the away fans.

 

• Stadium opening times

 

It is anticipated that the turnstiles will be open 3 hours prior to the kick off, on entering through gate P12, the separation of supporters will be created by a large zonal interlocking fence. Stewards and Police control access through ticket checking and searching. Tickets will be checked to match allocation and identification. There will be English speaking Fiorentina Stewards as well as LFC stewards at the final turnstiles. Once inside the away section what is noticeable are the poor sight lines in the visitors section, marred by both fencing and Perspex type sheeting. You can not see the goalmouth from large areas ! which would encourage Liverpool fans to make to the upper areas which would undoubtedly lead to congestion and safety fears. THE CONDITIONS INSIDE THE STADIUM ARE POOR

 

• Security arrangements for entry – how many cordons and where? What actions expected at which cordon, eg ticket check, bag and body search?

 

Fiorentina have requested that relevant supporters details be included on each ticket and the authorities have indicated that the tickets will be checked accordingly. At the pre visit there was no talk of checks prior to arrival at the stadium but I am aware that when Everton played there 2 seasons back there were ticket checks carried out at a series of barriers.

 

• Prohibited items – in particular any departures from the usual UEFA guidelines: coins? Cameras?

 

Prohibited Items are similar to those in the UK. Flags without Poles are allowed.

 

• Transport to the ground – what are the recommended routes from the city centre etc? Is there any special match-day provision in addition to usual public transport? Is public transport free to ticket holders?

 

The stadium is close to the ‘Firenze Campo di Marte’ which is accessible from the city centre main station, ‘Santa Maria Novella., a number of buses, the 7, 17 or 20 will also take supporters to the stadium. We have been informed that at 08.00hrs on the day of the game a ‘Fans zone’ will be set up close to the Visiting Supporters Sector, close to the stadium. Part of the arrangements organised include ‘Free’ shuttle buses to and from the city centre to the Fans zone, this free service is scheduled to run from 10.00hrs to 19.00hrs, These buses can be found at the Mandela Forum, The Paizza Indipendenza and the Santa Maria Novella Central Train Station.

 

• Transport away from the ground – not such a silly question: what times are last trains and buses etc? Is travel still possible after extra time and penalties?

 

We have been informed that Liverpool supporters will be held back in the stadium for about 20 minutes (we anticipate that it may be longer ! ) Supporters on organised day trips will be collected by their coaches for a return journey back to the airport. We have been informed that both trains and buses will be available for supporters who wish to travel back to the city centre

 

• Facilities in and around the ground – are there bars or food outlets near the stadium? What’s available inside the ground itself?

 

Access to the toilet areas for both sectors is on ground level, males and females have to go below ground level by walking down/up a narrow concrete staircase. The signage is poor., The actual toilets are the Continental type ‘on the floor’, they are not the best in the world Refreshment facilities are available to. There are plenty of bars and food outlets in the area of the stadium

 

• Disabled facilities – what arrangements are made for fans with disabilities? Is there disabled parking at the ground?

 

Facilities are available and agreement was reached for 10 spaces plus 10 carers. Disabled supporters planning to travel to this event are advised to contact the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association (LDSA) for advice. Write to LDSA Liverpool Community Department Bridge Chapel Centre Heath Road L19 4XR or e-mail colin.mccall@liverpoolfc.tv

 

• Fans without tickets – what provision, if any, is there for fans without tickets to watch the game? Any big screens? Is the game being televised locally, in bars etc?

 

As previously indicated the Authorities are planning on sighting a ‘Fans Zone’ for Liverpool fans near to the stadium. In addition to free transport to and from the city centre throughout the day, Facilities promised include English-speaking staff to assist Liverpool fans. Toilets, bars and food outlets. From 3.00pm a large screen will play music videos. From 18.00hrs we have been informed that ACF Fiorentina will provide free food and water to Liverpool fans. Outside the ‘Fans Zone’ before the opening of the stadium gates, a show of flag wavers in traditional costumes will perform for the Liverpool fans. Emergency health ( First Aid) will also be available. No tickets are available, we are aware that there are numerous websites advertising tickets in all parts of the stadium. Many of these so called agencies promise tickets for the fixture but we are hearing more and more stories of supporters paying exorbitant prices to these agencies only to discover that there are no tickets. Liverpool supporters are advised not to travel without a valid ticket for this event. Those that do are advised to remain in the city centre and watch it in the numerous bars and enjoy the atmosphere

 

• Black market tickets – what is the local legislation regarding black market ticket sale? Is selling an offence? Is buying an offence? Will English fans with tickets for non-English areas of the ground be allowed in?

 

Fans are requested not to travel to this event without being in possession of a valid ticket for the correctly allocated area. As with most European countries there is a problem with regard to ‘black market ticket sales’ but Police action in this area is minimal.

 

• Other local legislation – what other laws do fans need to be aware of? Is drinking in the street legal? Is smoking banned in enclosed public places? What are the drink-driving limits or other special motoring rules?

 

Merseyside Police would advise travelling supporters not to drink any alcohol if they plan to drive a motor vehicle. They should also drive with care and in a proper manner when driving a motor vehicle abroad. There is no restriction on the selling of alcohol that we have been made aware of.

 

• Flags – is there any facility for fans to gain early access to the stadium to hang flags or banners? Can they then leave and come back later for the game?

 

We have been informed that supporters cannot access the stadium to hang their flags prior to entry to the stadium opening on the day of the game. As indicated no poles will be permitted. They must take the flags with them post match

 

• ID – is it a legal requirement to carry ID? Will a photocopy of a passport do?

 

There are no special requirements however it is recommended that fans carry a Passport or other means of identification with them at all times.

 

• Any other business – are there any other matters fans should be aware of? Areas of the city to avoid? Local customs to be observed and respected?

 

At the Pre Match information meeting the Florence Authorities clearly went out of their way to ensure that Liverpool fans would be welcomed to their city and to the stadium and they are looking to be twinned with Liverpool. They are fierce rivals of Juventus. The authorities did issue strong advice that misbehaviour’ by anyone would not be tolerated and that visitors need to respect their monuments, culture and law.

 

Keep an eye on here, or the Fiorentina Ground Guide on the FSF site for more information

 

http://www.fsf.org.uk/ground-guide/interna...ubs/fiorentina/

[Raj]

This is from the UKFPU (UK Football Policing Unit) after Merseyside plod's pre-match visit to Florence. Just for anyone who's going and may be interested.

Keep an eye on here, or the Fiorentina Ground Guide on the FSF site for more information

 

http://www.fsf.org.uk/ground-guide/interna...ubs/fiorentina/

 

Thanks for posting this over here. I had just seen it on RAWK.

[blurred]

No probs, doing my best to spread the word. If you go on any forums that I haven't reached, feel free to pass it on.

[Bald Devil]

There is no restriction on the selling of alcohol that we have been made aware of.

 

There was when the blue s**** lost there, or at least there was supposed to be.

[blurred]

There was when the blue s**** lost there, or at least there was supposed to be.

 

Yep, but then I'm just passing on the information. I'd be surprised if there were no restrictions whatsoever, but we'll see.

[Michael]

Be aware that pickpockets are a real nightmare in Florence, especially on public transport.

[Kaizer Sauze]

If this needs to be moved then thats fine, but this needs to be passed around

 

 

This is an email from as close to the most reputable source as you can get, the subject of the email is the head of Florence Police, and I've been asked to pass this on, anyway, read on.........

 

 

 

- TICKETS: (I think this is really important). He has worked out a compromise deal which allows him to observe the law while also making things easier for Liverpool supporters. Liverpool will be getting 2200 tickets which will be distributed among Liverpool supporters. Liverpool fans who receive these tickets will be free to pass them on to friends or relatives. HOWEVER, if you pass your ticket on to somebody else, you have to notify the club at least 48 hours BEFORE the game and tell them the name of the person who has your ticket and who will be going in your place. Liverpool will then send the Florence police a list of the people who are actually going (rather than simply the list of those who bought tickets). This is absolutely crucial because, if your name is not on the list, even if you have a ticket, he insists you will NOT be allowed into the ground. Fiorentina have an electronic scanning system at the turnstile and the tickets they send Liverpool will be DEACTIVATED. Tickets will be ACTIVATED 48 hours before the game but only once Liverpool have sent Fiorentina the list of names (and corresponding ticket numbers) of fans who will actually be traveling. When you arrive at the ground, you'll need to present some kind of photo ID and your name will be checked off against the list Fiorentina will have received from Liverpool. (JOHN: I hope this is clear... if it isn't let me know)

 

-STADIUM SEGREGATION: As Everton supporters who made the trip will tell you, there was some pretty hefty segregation for visiiting fans at the ground, which obstructed views of the pitch. He is going to have most of it removed for Liverpool's visit. it's rather a big deal, because it's the first time it's being done for visiting supporters from abroad.

 

- ALCOHOL BAN: Based also on the feedback from various Liverpool websites and supporters, he has decided NOT to have a complete alcohol ban in Florence. Shops and supermarkets WILL be barred from selling any kind of alcohol. However, restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol. Bars which DO NOT serve any kind of food will NOT be allowed to serve alcohol, however, bear in mind that there are very few such places in Florence. Almost all bars serve at least some kind of sandwiches or snacks and are classed as restaurants and therefore WILL be serving alcohol. The one rule is that if you purchase a drink in a restaurant, you HAVE TO DRINK IT THERE. You WILL NOT BE allowed to walk the streets with an alcoholic drink in your hand.

 

- His main concern is large groups of drunk supporters assembling particularly with glass bottles. He hopes that this way, the risk will be avoided. He is pretty confident that everything will go smoothly but he has asked Liverpool supporters - wherever possible - to help self-police, because if anybody breaks the law or causes trouble, they will be prosecuted. He is not going to look the other way.

 

- On a personal note, one massive no-no in Florence is public urination. There should be plenty of toilet facilities available at the ground and, in the city centre as well (restaurants have been instructed to allow fans to use the toilets). But Florentines are very proud of their city and any kind of vandalism or public urination will be deal with very severely.

Edited September 21, 2009 by Kaizer Sauze

[Raj]

Cheers for the info

[fyds]

Be aware that pickpockets are a real nightmare in Florence, especially on public transport.

This is a good point - don't carry things of value in back pockets or inside jacket pockets f the jacket is open. best of all, do not carry a wallet, but cqrry cash, cards, keys etc in your front trouser pockets loose if possible...believe me, I've learned this the hard way.

[blurred]

This is a good point - don't carry things of value in back pockets or inside jacket pockets f the jacket is open. best of all, do not carry a wallet, but cqrry cash, cards, keys etc in your front trouser pockets loose if possible...believe me, I've learned this the hard way.

 

Is Florence really that bad (compared to other cities)? If so, I'll whack something up in the guide beyond the usual caveats.

[Michael]

Is Florence really that bad (compared to other cities)? If so, I'll whack something up in the guide beyond the usual caveats.

 

 

Yes it's dreadful for pickpockets. I lived there for a few months and could not believe how often people had stuff stolen. Above all be careful when on buses or trains.

[Bologna]

Is Florence really that bad (compared to other cities)? If so, I'll whack something up in the guide beyond the usual caveats.

 

It's no worse than any other Western European city.

 

People just need to make sure they're wearing their big city hats. The usual rules apply; nothing in back trouser pockets, no ostentatious show of jewellery, watches etc.

 

Just common sense really.

[fyds]

Yes it's dreadful for pickpockets. I lived there for a few months and could not believe how often people had stuff stolen. Above all be careful when on buses or trains.

Yep - packed places - queues, transit points, bars etc.

[matty]

And buy tickets in advance for the Uffizi, m'kay?