Police say why Luton fans NOT forced to travel to Watford by coach
Police have explained why Luton fans are not being forced to travel to Watford by coach ahead of next Sunday’s derby.
October’s reverse fixture saw police mandate coach travel to Kenilworth Road for Hornets fans, a decision based on past success “eradicating any form of disorder” in the 2022/23 game, according to Watford FC’s head of communications Richard Walker.
The controversial call irritated Watford fans, with some particularly irked by no such rules being applied to away fans visiting Vicarage Road in 2022.
Ahead of the February 23 fixture, Chief Inspector Ian Grout, who is Match Commander for the game, answered fans’ questions alongside Watford FC safety officer Kevin Stump.
No forced coaches for Luton fans
Regarding the coaches call, Mr Stump said: “We have looked at a number of options and some were bringing in three or four coaches at a time, but the timespan to do that was too long, but also again we would probably have to close off Vicarage Road.
“So the problem we have [was] no matter what option we looked at, Vicarage Road would have to be closed to home fans.”
He added: “We know you’re inconvenienced for 10-15 minutes at the end of the game, [but] you would in fact be more inconvenienced at the start of the game because of this operation. So the logistics just do not allow to make Luton fans travel by coach.”
Pubs situation
The Q&A also clarified the pubs situation, with CI Grout stating “a number of pubs are planning on opening, but at this time none will be for the away fans”.
He said The Moon Under Water and O’Neill’s are among those planning to open for home fans only, and that Luton supporters will be told there is nowhere for them to drink in town.
Fixture rescheduled
CI Grout confirmed the game had originally been scheduled for 12.30pm Saturday but this was “changed on police advice” to 12pm Sunday.
“You can imagine the disruption that will be caused [at 12.30pm Saturday] and it’s far easier for us to police that and minimise disruption by having it on a Sunday at 12pm," he said. "So after some time the Football League agreed and the game has been changed to 12pm.”
Trains
The pair advised fans to check Network Rail before travelling, but said according to British Transport Police they are not aware of any issues with the Watford-Euston route, although some disruption is expected from Luton southbound towards St Albans.
