Dorset Police are deploying more than 150 officers for AFC Bournemouth's first ever European home match this Thursday. The historic Europa League fixture against Austrian side Sturm Graz has triggered extensive safety and operational planning, including the use of mounted police units for the first time locally.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsay Dudfield confirmed the scale of the operation. "Since the fixtures were announced in August, we've been planning for the first four home matches of Bournemouth's first ever European season," she said. The preparations have been underway for a couple of years, with officers studying policing at other UK and European clubs to manage potential crowd challenges at the Vitality Stadium.
ACC Dudfield attended the Crystal Palace versus Lech Poznan match last season to observe operations with Metropolitan Police counterparts. "We will need in excess of 150 officers on the ground on Thursday," she added. The visible policing footprint in and around the stadium will be similar to a regular Premier League match, but the deployment of mounted police is a new measure for the community.
Fan walks and European atmosphere
Fan walks from the town centre to the stadium are expected, with hundreds of supporters potentially walking together. Police are coordinating with European clubs and forces to plan safe routes, focusing on road and pedestrian safety. Fans may use drums, loud hailers, and banners during these walks, which is considered normal European fan behaviour.
Pyrotechnics, which are banned inside the stadium, are known to be commonplace in European football and may be used on these walks. Police are working with the club and BCP Council to ensure only ticketed fans enter the stadium, while managing others in local hospitality venues. The biggest difference fans may notice is the sound, with relentless chanting, drumming, and loud hailers expected for the full 90 minutes.
Stadium ready for record crowd
Despite ongoing redevelopment, the Vitality Stadium is prepared for a potential record crowd since its 2001 reconfiguration. The filled-in north-west and south-east corner sections are now complete and available. Due to UEFA's ban on stadium sponsor names, the venue will be officially called 'Bournemouth Stadium' for the match, though many fans will still refer to it as Dean Court.
The match arrives as Bournemouth, sitting 18th in the standings with just three points from six games, look to bounce back from a 5-1 loss at Chelsea. Their recent form, shows two losses, one draw, and two wins from the last five outings. A positive result against Sturm Graz, who were runners-up in Austria last season, could provide a vital boost.
Looking ahead, Bournemouth host Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Black Cats currently one place above them in 17th. Securing two home wins this week would significantly restore the feelgood factor around the club.
The report in full is at Daily Echo
