Fuji success in Ipswich vs. Norwich showdown

Transparent EEAST crest

It was the daddy of all derbies as Ipswich Town took on Norwich City at the weekend in a rival match like no other. 

Though only separated by a 40-mile stretch of the A140, showdowns between the sides are few and far between; their last meeting was back in 2011 when a large numbers of ‘over-zealous’ fans were unfortunately arrested for crowd-trouble. 

But Saturday’s match (23rd August) in Ipswich saw the launch of ‘Operation Fuji’ – a joint planning initiative between ourselves and other partners like Suffolk Police to make sure that fans and players alike were safe and able to enjoy the beautiful game in all its glory. 

Along with a full command structure from Gold through to Bronze, our hazardous area response team (HART) were on hand alongside three fully-crewed EEAST ambulances, 20 St. John Ambulance staff and two doctors to make sure Portman Road was well equipped for any eventuality. Just 10 patients needed treatment from our crews, with only one of those needing ongoing care at hospital. 

Matt Broad, Gold Commander for Fuji and Locality Director for Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, said: “I want to thank everybody involved for what was an excellently prepared and delivered operation. Operation Fuji’s months of planning saw EEAST working fantastically with other agencies to ensure the safety of some 30,000 football fans.” 

Despite a brave onslaught from the Ipswich Town boys, City managed to nick the win with a 1-0 victory after Lewis Grabban's back-header from five yards put City in front in the first half.

0 Comments
Leave a Comment
Name (required)
Email Address (required, never displayed)
Enter a message

(all comments are moderated - your submission will be posted on approval.)