Large police presence ahead of Norwich v Ipswich derby day

Around 1,600 Ipswich fans are expected to travel to Norwich for the Championship match on Saturday, April 6, which is a 12.30pm kick-off. 

It will be the first time the rivals have met at Carrow Road since 2019, when the Canaries won 3-0 on their way to winning the title, continuing Town's slide to relegation.

Ipswich have been resurgent since promotion from League One last season, however, and are chasing automatic promotion - although were held to a 2-2 draw at Portman Road in December.

That extended City's unbeaten derby record to 13 matches and almost 15 years.

Teemu Pukki scored twice as Norwich beat Ipswich 3-0 at Carrow Road in February 2019 (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)

A police operation with officers from Norfolk, Suffolk and the British Transport Police has been announced to help keep people safe and get to the stadium.

People travelling to Norwich for any other purpose that day are being reminded to plan their travel in advance and supporters are being asked to arrive earlier than usual to ease congestion.

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Police will signpost Ipswich supporters from coach parks and the train station to the stadium's away section via Clarence Road. 

The usual road closures will be in place around Carrow Road before and after the match, and police may close additional roads for short periods of time depending on crowd numbers.

Ipswich fans at Carrow Road in February 2019 (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)

Superintendent Kris Barnard said: "This is a great local derby between two family-friendly clubs and although we understand there is a healthy rivalry between both sets of supporters, we ask every supporter to enjoy the match and the occasion in the right spirit.

"There will be a significant number of policing resources and officers in the city centre before and after the match to keep people safe, welcome fans and assist anybody who needs us."

Police reported just two arrests being made on the day of December's draw at Portman Road, for assault and failing to disperse.

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That was despite a flashpoint that saw bottles, cans and smoking flares thrown at the car of Canaries board members Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.

Ipswich Town fans threw objects at the car of Norwich City directors Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones ahead of December's 2-2 draw at Portman Road (Image: PA)

City's former majority shareholders later wrote of their disappointment at not receiving an apology from anyone at Portman Road about the incident.

Superintendent Barnard added: “Our focus will be those people whose behaviour spoils the enjoyment or the safety of others, and also managing any issues in areas where we have seen disorder and antisocial behaviour at other matches.”