HULL FC are taking extra measures to avoid a repeat of the anti-social behaviour seen at last year’s derby when they take on their greatest rivals in round one of the new Super League season.
Tony Smith’s side will take on Hull KR at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, February 15, in a blockbuster first fixture of the campaign, with tickets now on sale and the Black and Whites hoping to achieve a sell-out crowd at their 25,000-capacity home.
The club have worked with Humberside Police to implement steps to avoid trouble amongst supporters, including moving Hull KR fans to a different section of the ground.
For last season’s Good Friday clash, away supporters were allocated part of the North Stand, plus a section of the West Upper Stand.
This time, Hull KR have been allocated the entire North Stand only, meaning some home season-ticket holders will be moved to the South Stand.
In addition, away fans will not be able to buy tickets for home sections of the stadium. They will only be made available to people who have purchased a ticket from Hull FC in the past five years.
Further, no bottles will be permitted in the West Upper or North Stand, after they could be seen thrown as missiles at last year’s fixture.
And there will be an increased police and stewarding presence in force in and around the stadium before, during and after the match, the club say, “to further ensure the safety of all supporters present”.
The Robins won last year’s visit to the MKM Stadium 40-0, a record margin of victory for them in Hull derby history.
Hull FC won the most recent clash between the teams, however, securing a 16-6 win in July’s return at Craven Park.
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