UNDERCOVER police will be looking out for football hooligans after a tip-off about trouble planned for a testimonial match at the Reebok Stadium.
Teams of plainclothes “spotters” will be on hand tomorrow ahead of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s charity match following reports about potential trouble between Scottish and English supporters.
Police in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are warning fans travelling to the Wanderers-v-Hibernian friendly that police operations are being stepped up and that any disorder will not be tolerated.
Bolton football intelligence officer PC Adie Ollerton said there will be spotting teams hunting for known offenders in Bolton and in key areas — such as transport links — in Manchester and Lancashire.
He said: “It is a possibility. We are expecting quite a few of the Hibs fans to come down. Most of them will be good but it is our job to try and find the troublemakers and head off trouble before it starts.”
With fans from Celtic and St Mirren also heading to the region for games with Manchester City and Wigan respectively, In-spector Jo Keay, of Chorley police, said officers were expecting an influx of Scottish fans.
“The majority of people travelling will be law abiding, genuine supporters and we are determined to stop troublemakers from spoiling the enjoyment of genuine fans.”
She warned potential hooligans that they were ready for them, adding: “I would like to send out a very clear message that we have plans in place to deal with them. Any disorder will not be tolerated.”
Crowd favourites from down the years will turn out at the Reebok tomorrow to pay tribute to the goalkeeper when he celebrates 12 seasons with the Wanderers.
Organisers of the charity testimonial have signed up a stellar cast to play in the Legends Match that will serve as a curtain-raiser to the main event — the Wanderers-Hibernian friendly.
Jaaskelainen is donating the proceeds of his testimonial to three local charities: Birtenshaw, Paws for Kids and Miller’s Nook Disabled Riding School.
pkeaveny@ theboltonnews.co.uk
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