Police have urged football supporters to enjoy next weekend's East Anglian derby "in the right spirit" – as it was confirmed a rail strike could jeopardise Ipswich Town fans' travel plans.
Norfolk Police has said it expects about 1,600 away supporters to attend the Blues' game against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday, April 6.
But Greater Anglia has confirmed industrial action will be taking place on that day and a reduced rail timetable will be in effect.
Town fans have been advised that the additional 10.50am Ipswich to Norwich service will be the last one arriving in the Norfolk city before the 12.30pm kick-off – with the 11.06am service from Ipswich cancelled due to strikes by members of the train drivers’ union ASLEF.
Wes Burns scores against Norwich City in December's draw (Image: PA)
Rail services are expected to be "very busy" immediately after the game, Greater Anglia said, with the strikes meaning it will not be possible to run extra trains on the day.
A spokesman for Norfolk police said the force consulted with Greater Anglia over the strikes, while Ipswich Town have said the club will update fans on travel guidance for the Canaries fixture after Easter Monday's clash with Southampton.
Nathan Broadhead celebrates his opening goal against Norwich City last December (Image: PA)
James Reeve, area customer service manager at Greater Anglia, said: "We’ve worked closely with both football clubs and the British Transport Police, and people are advised to check before they travel and travel earlier or later if they can.
"We will run as many services as we can, given the action short of a strike, with a plan that is intended to ensure everyone has a safe and smooth journey."
Despite the travel disruption, officers have said supporters of both sides can expect "friendly and fair policing" and have pledged to crack down on poor behaviour.
Carrow Road will host the fixture (Image: PA)
Superintendent Kris Barnard, who is overseeing the policing operation for Norfolk Police, called for supporters of both sides to behave in an appropriate manner that keeps people safe.
He added: "This is a great local derby between two family friendly clubs and although we understand there is a healthy rivalry between both sets of supporters, we ask every supporter to enjoy the match and the occasion in the right spirit.
"There will be a significant number of policing resources and officers in the city centre before and after the match to keep people safe, welcome fans and assist anybody who needs us.
Superintendent Kris Barnard, of Norfolk police (Image: Newsquest)
"We want to ensure people can enjoy the uniquely special atmosphere of derby day and keep people safe – there’ll be lots of officers around the stadium so if you’re unsure about something or need our help, please come over and say hello.
“Our focus will be those people whose behaviour spoils the enjoyment or the safety of others, and also managing any issues in areas where we have seen disorder and antisocial behaviour at other matches.”
The previous meeting between the Championship rivals, who are both aiming for promotion to the Premier League this season, ended in a 2-2 draw on December 16.
The Blues and the Canaries could yet meet in the Championship play-offs at the end of the season, should they both finish between third and sixth in the table.
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