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HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY
From: .Superintendent J HIGGS 'C' Division
Chief Constable, Headquarters........
h .Q. Ref:
Div. Ref. .‘JH/SAK__
Date: 10 May, A?®?.
RE:
LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB - HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER
Attached hereto is the Football Match Summary relating to the match
played between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road, Watford on
13 February 1988, the total crowd attendance being 23,838 this
included 6,200 Liverpool Fans.
Together with Superintendent HOWLEY I was responsible for policing
this particular game. I was responsible for policing outside the
Football Stadium. Prior to kick-off it became apparent that approximately
1,500 Liverpool supporters had arrived without tickets. The
game, which had been declared 'All Ticket' at Police instigation, was
well publicised prior to 13 February. The majority of all fans
attending were in possession of tickets. Some of the 1,500 fans had
been drinking and were somewhat noisy although I am bound to say the
behaviour was generally good. The prevailing weather, without doubt,
assisted the policing of the crowd and after consultation with
Superintendent HOWLEY I decided to' hold the 1,500 supporters in the
Cardiff Road area at the bottom of the walkway giving access to the
Stadium. Given "that it would have presented severe policing
difficulties and problems were the 1,500 fans allowed to disperse and
run the town and frequent local public houses. After further consultation
with Superintendent HOWLEY and Club Officials it was decided
prudent to let these fans into the arena upon payment. I was aware
that there would be sufficient room in the Stadium to accommodate
these fans because of the shortfall on sales of tickets in Liverpool.
I was also conscious of the fact that previously Liverpool fans had
attempted to enter the ground by forcing open gates. The match was
relatively trouble free there being 2 arrests of Liverpool supporters
and 14 ejections of Liverpool supporters.
At the match briefing officers were told of the strong possibility of
visitors arriving without tickets and seeking access to the Football
Stadium.