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Police Insist Majority Of Marine FC Fans Were Socially Distanced Ahead Of Spurs Game

Police Insist Majority Of Marine FC Fans Were Socially Distanced Ahead Of Spurs Game

Fans lined the street ahead of the FA Cup third round game against Premier League side Spurs but police said 'vast majority' were fine.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Merseyside Police have claimed the 'vast majority' of Marine fans who lined the streets ahead of Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur were socially distanced.

Northern Premier League Division One North West side Marine hosted Premier League Spurs on Sunday evening, in the biggest gap between two sides in FA Cup history.

Fans weren't allowed in the ground due to the national lockdown, although some fans got to see the match as houses back onto the ground, however the roads leading up to the ground were full of fans greeting the Spurs team coach.

Many on social media were critical of the scenes but Merseyside Police have claimed that a 'vast majority' of fans were distancing.

"Officers are in Crosby this afternoon ahead of Marine FC's FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur," a statement from Superintendent Andy Rankine said.

"A small gathering took place ahead of the arrival of the team coaches, and road closures were put in place to facilitate this arrival safely. The vast majority of people present were adhering to social-distancing measures and those who were not were advised by officers.

Some Marine fans could enjoy the game from outside their backyards. Image: PA Images
Some Marine fans could enjoy the game from outside their backyards. Image: PA Images

"As we have done throughout this pandemic, we will always strive to encourage people to disperse and go home peacefully.

"But where we face blatant breaches of legislation, people ignoring the restrictions and even obstructing police from carrying out their duty, our officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action.

"Those attending have now left the area and we hope everyone enjoys the occasion safely at home."

Despite that claim, the videos and social media posts on Sunday from outside the ground didn't make for comfortable viewing for many.

Spurs avoided the traditional FA Cup upset by beating their non-league opposition to win 5-0. They go into Monday's draw for both the fourth and fifth rounds.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Spurs, Football News, Tottenham Hotspur, Non League, Premier League, FA Cup