Florence may be known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, a city of art, beauty and invention, but when crystal Palace Fans arriving on Thursday will find a city of security.
With more than 1,300 Crystal Palace fans expected in the city for tomorrow’s Conference League clash with Fiorentina, authorities have activated a full-scale plan to protect both public order and the city’s priceless monuments.
Florence is on alert regarding the Crystal Palace
La Nazione reports on variousAnd very extreme security measures are being taken for the game.
Firstly, Florence will operate under tight security from early in the morning. There will be barriers around the Duomo, Biancone (Neptune Fountain), Loggia dei Lanzi and other sites. This is due to concerns about English fans gathering in the historic centre.
Police, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza units, some of whom are in riot gear, will patrol the city throughout the day. Their mission is clear; Prevent skirmishes, keep the wings separated and protect the busiest and most delicate areas of Florence.
Monument under special protection
The city’s artistic treasures are being given unprecedented attention.
Following orders from the Prefecture and Questura, municipal teams have set up anti-ram barriers around various monuments in the city.
This security will be in effect from Wednesday 8 am to Thursday midnight. The plan is to create a secure perimeter designed to prevent vandalism or accidental damage.
There are also parking restrictions in place in the historic centre. Any vehicle abandoned inside the protected area, unless a handicapped permit is displayed, will be towed and impounded. The goal is complete visibility and control for the police.
action on alcohol
As is often the case in fixtures deemed high-risk, Florence has also banned off-premise alcohol sales for the entire match day. The hope is that this will reduce the likelihood of disorder or rowdy behaviour.
Florence will act as a ‘fortified city’ for 48 hours. He is very focused on protecting his legacy.
This would involve Crystal Palace traveling parties taking buses directly to the away leg. The plan is to prevent roaming groups and reduce the risk of collision.
So, while Crystal Palace are heading into Italy feeling safe with their 3-0 win in the first leg, they will be entering a city that is also safe.
Maybe a little more. But then again, English fans should be used to criticism from top officials at this point.
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