EFL Championship

Luton Fans Banned from Watford Pubs on Derby Day

Published

4 hours ago

February 23, 2025

Luton Town fans will be unable to visit pubs in Watford ahead of their side’s crucial Championship derby against Watford on Sunday, with local licensees deciding not to serve Hatters supporters on match day.

Tight Security Measures in Place

Hertfordshire Police have confirmed the ban, while also implementing an alcohol restriction on Vicarage Road and increasing police presence for the highly anticipated fixture at Vicarage Road Stadium, which kicks off at 12:00 GMT.

With tensions expected to be high, Chief Inspector Ian Grout stated that safety remains the top priority, explaining that home fans will only be allowed to exit through Cardiff Road or Harwoods Road until Luton fans have left the area.

“Our primary role is safety… Watford fans will be free to leave through Cardiff Road or into Harwoods Road into west Watford,” Grout said.

Police have also emphasized that they do not have the authority to force pubs to serve away supporters, with the decision coming directly from the venue owners.

Heavy Police Presence for Heated Rivalry

With the last meeting between the sides in October ending in a 3-0 victory for Luton at Kenilworth Road, authorities are expecting heightened tensions.

For Sunday’s clash, 230 police officers will be on duty, eight times more than Watford’s recent fixture against Leeds United on February 11.

Planning for the game began four months ago, and Ch Insp Grout has urged fans to remain on their best behavior:

“If fans are intent on coming to cause disorder, we will deal with that accordingly, so please don’t come,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Watford fans choosing to wait at the stadium before Vicarage Road reopens will have access to drink kiosks.

Luton’s last visit to Vicarage Road ended in a 4-0 defeat in October 2022, but with local bragging rights and crucial points on the line, Sunday’s clash is set to be a fiery encounter.