x

All Singing From The Same Hymn Sheet

Both sides are urging supporters to behave themselves at the Welsh derby next weekend

Both Swansea City and Cardiff City have taken part in a joint press conference at the Liberty Stadium to appeal for calm ahead of the second derby a week on Sunday.

The first game - in the Carling Cup back in September - was marred by incidents mainly after the game and there are fears that the same could happen in the first league clash for almost ten years.

But management and supporters from both sides have joined forces to appeal for calm and yet again for the game to be remembered for the right reasons after the match

Roberto Martinez

"We are excited to have this Welsh derby — it is a big football occasion, and we want it to be a game that both sets of fans can be proud of.

"Derby matches are special — whether it is Celtic against Rangers, Seville and Real Betis, or Swansea and Cardiff — but they should always be about the football, not about violence.

"The match against Cardiff will be a big occasion for young fans and we want a safe environment for them. The next step is to see this derby being played in the Premiership."

Terry Burton

"Derby matches are exciting

"They are the first fixtures fans look at the start of the season. Both clubs want the same thing — fans to come and support their teams and enjoy the match."

Huw Cooze, Swansea City Supporters Trust

"We are all aware of the emotion that surrounds this fixture, without which this game would be a lot poorer. However, it is the responsibility of all of us — supporters, players, managers and directors — to ensure such passion does not extend beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable behaviour."

Chief Superintendent Mathias

"For those genuine supporters who intend to come to the next derby, please be rest assured that the police, in conjunction with both clubs, will do everything possible to ensure your visit to the Liberty Stadium will be one that you thoroughly enjoy and will remember for the football played. For those people — and I will not call them football supporters — who are thinking of turning up and causing the same violent scenes that we saw in September the message is simple: stay away."

What to read next:

TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Oldham Athletic.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Dale’s lunchtime local derby against Oldham Athletic on Saturday will be refereed by GREG ROLLASON.
Dale Drawn Against Leamington In FA Trophy
The draw for the 3rd round of the FA Trophy took place on Monday and Dale have been drawn away from home.
Refwatch - Wealdstone v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to Grosvenor Vale to take on Wealdstone on Saturday will be refereed by STEPHEN PARKINSON.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Sutton United
Refwatch - Rochdale v Sutton United
Dale’s home game versus Sutton United on Saturday will be refereed by RICHARD ASPINALL.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Bromley (FA Cup 1st Round)
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup first round tie against Bromley.
Refwatch: Rochdale v Bromley (FA Cup 1st Round)
Dale’s FA Cup first round tie at home to Bromley on Saturday will be refereed by AARON BANNISTER.
Refwatch - Barnet v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to Barnet on Saturday will be refereed by JACOB MILES.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v FC Halifax Town
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Tuesday’s Vanarama National League fixture against FC Halifax Town.