Nottinghamshire Police have warned fans about chanting ahead of Friday’s eagerly-anticipated grudge match between Nottingham Forest and Derby County.
The East Midlands derby game kicks off at 7.30pm, with more than 25,000 people expected to pack the City Ground.
Chief Superintendent Mark Holland said: “The atmosphere on Friday night will be fantastic and we know that, as always, the vast majority of fan behaviour will be impeccable.”
Police are expecting chants between the two clubs but have warned against taking it too far.
A row broke out in 2012 after a section of Derby fans sang songs in reference to the death of former Forest chairman Nigel Doughty, who had died the previous month.
We will identify anyone who thinks it appropriate to chant vile and distasteful songs
Ch Supt Holland added: “Our evidence gatherers will be on alert to record anyone looking to cause trouble.
“We will also be supporting the clubs to identify anyone who thinks it appropriate or acceptable to chant vile and distasteful songs to opposing fans.”
Last year’s fixture saw some fans invade the pitch and police warned anyone who does so this year will face a football banning order.
East Midlands derbies are traditionally tight and tense affairs. Last season, the sides drew 1-1 at the City Ground but at the iPro it was a different story as youngster Ben Osborn scored in injury time to give Forest victory.
The form book points to a Derby victory this time around. They beat QPR on Tuesday night 1-0 to make it ten games unbeaten.
Forest’s form looks far less favourable, with the Reds recording no wins in their last eight outings, including a 1-0 defeat to Preston North End on Tuesday.
Video: Forest and Derby fans give their match predictions and debate the future of Dougie Freedman
