Football fans heading to the Norwich City versus Ipswich Town East Anglian derby this weekend can expect a 'firm, friendly and fair' approach, police said today, ahead of the Championship clash.

Police are encouraging supporters to arrive early at Portman Road on Sunday, with turnstiles and stadium bars open from 10am and 10.30am ahead of the midday kick-off for the televised match.

And police appealed for fans to enjoy the game 'sensibly and in the right spirit', with officers warned they will not tolerate violence, anti-social behaviour, vandalism, racist chants or alcohol-fuelled disorder.

The National Police Air Service helicopter is likely to be used during the course of the day to support the police operation.

Chief superintendent Louisa Pepper said: 'We want both sets of supporters to enjoy the game in a responsible and respectful way. Arrangements are being put in place to ensure supporters can get safely into the ground and police and stewards will be working together to maintain public safety throughout the operation.

'We will be dealing with fans as they would expect to be treated themselves and we hope that people enjoy the match sensibly and in the right spirit. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, violence, racial chanting, mindless vandalism or any alcohol-fuelled disorder.

'However, we know that the vast majority of fans attending will be there to enjoy the game and we will be there to welcome them.

'Officers will be approachable and are there to facilitate and ensure the safety of those attending the game and members of the public wishing to go about their normal business.'

Police said further details for those heading to the game – both home and away supporters – and those who are going about their normal business in the town will be issued ahead of the match.

But they urged fans to allow extra time for journeys to and from the stadium and to follow the directions of stewards and police officers at the ground.