A Garda ‘Ring Of Steel’ Will Be In Place For Tomorrow’s Match At The Aviva

Gardaí are planning a ‘ring of steel’ around Dublin tomorrow as The Republic of Ireland take on Northern Ireland in a soccer international at the Aviva Stadium.

The match will be the first time Northern Ireland travels south since 2011 and despite the friendly nature of the match, it appears authorities won’t be taking any chances. According to the Irish Mirror, ‘Gardaí have been liaising with their British counterparts and examining intelligence on potential troublesome people both from a political perspective and from the thuggish soccer hooligan side.’

The publication adds that ‘a Section 21 Public Order Act Direction will be declared allowing Gardaí to control access and search the public within a mile of the venue.’

A Garda search team will also be in place outside the stadium while the air support unit, mounted horse unit and dog unit will be working on the day.

A source told the Mirror that ‘the threat assessment level for the match is low and trouble is not anticipated’ but concerns remain in place that there could be issues between certain supporter groups.

The match between Martin O’Neill and Michael O’Neill’s teams will get underway on Thursday evening at 7.45pm.

READ NEXT: PIC: The New Zealand Rugby Team Were Just Spotted In This Dublin Pub With Pints Of Guinness Close By