Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion have jointly appealed to supporters to conduct themselves responsibly ahead of Sunday's Championship derby, following incidents of disorder at the previous meeting between the two rivals.
The clubs confirmed they have been coordinating with the Safety Advisory Group, local authorities and police in the build-up to the fixture, which kicks off at 12:00 BST, in an effort to ensure the match passes off without incident.
In a joint statement, the clubs reminded fans of the serious consequences that could follow any breach of ground regulations. They warned that supporters caught engaging in violent conduct, discriminatory chanting or behaviour, invading the pitch or trackside zones, throwing objects, setting off pyrotechnics, or otherwise violating stadium rules face the risk of arrest and criminal prosecution. Such actions could also lead to football banning orders, as well as long-term or even permanent bans from attending matches at either club.
Both Wolves and West Brom urged supporters to purchase tickets exclusively through official, sanctioned outlets and to make sure they are seated within the correct section of the stadium designated for either home or away fans. The clubs made clear that anyone discovered trying to enter, or found present in, the wrong section would be denied entry or removed from the ground, with the possibility of additional punitive measures being taken against them.
Supporters were also encouraged to plan their arrival with sufficient time to spare, allowing for the security checks and entry procedures that will be in place at the stadium. The clubs asked fans to cooperate fully with stewards and police officers throughout the day, and to come forward and report any behaviour they witness that is unsafe, discriminatory, or antisocial in nature.
Despite the precautions being put in place, both clubs expressed confidence that the vast majority of those attending will do so purely to back their respective teams in a passionate but respectful manner, consistent with how the fixture has traditionally been supported.
"The overwhelming majority of Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters attend this fixture to support their team passionately and responsibly, and we are confident that will once again be the case," the clubs said in their statement.
The heightened security measures and public warning come after previous derby encounters between the two Midlands rivals were marred by crowd trouble, prompting the clubs to take a more proactive and coordinated approach this time around. The fixture remains one of the most keenly anticipated in the English football calendar outside the Premier League, with deep-rooted regional rivalry fuelling intense atmospheres on both sides whenever the two sides meet.
Organisers will be hoping that the combination of clear communication, a visible security presence, and cooperation from supporters themselves will allow the focus on derby day to remain firmly on the action taking place on the pitch, rather than on any disorder in the stands. With kick-off set for midday, both sets of fans are expected to create a lively atmosphere as the two Championship sides go head-to-head once again in what continues to be one of English football's fiercest local rivalries.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.