Police operation 'stretching from Scotland to London' in place ahead of World Cup qualifier

Police are preparing themselves for the thousands of Scotland football fans making their way to London ahead of the World Cup qualifier at Wembley. The two fierce rival countries are set to play on Friday night (11 November), two years since their last faced each other.

Around 14,000 of the Tartan Army are expected to make the trip to Wembley, with British Transport Police (BTP) putting in place an operation "stretching from Scotland to London" to make sure travelling fans get to and from the ground.

England and Scotland have played against each other a total of 112 times, most recently at Celtic Park in November 2014 when England won 3-1.

Superintendent Alex Carson, who is co-ordinating the BTP operation, said: "This is football's oldest rivalry dating back to 1872. It is both a historic and important fixture for the teams and we are proud to lead this policing operation.

"We've been working closely with our partners for many weeks and we are sure it will be a great match; the atmosphere inside the stadium will be fantastic and we expect it to be the same among those travelling to the game.

"We want fans to enjoy themselves and for everyone to have a safe and peaceful journey. There will be a highly visible policing presence to ensure any anti-social behaviour or crime is swiftly nipped in the bud.

"If you are travelling over the next few days, you will see more of our officers at the main hub stations and carrying out more on-train patrols to make sure everyone using the network at this busy time can do so safely and securely.

"However, passengers are the eyes and ears of the network and I'd encourage anyone who does have any concerns while travelling on the railway to report them to us."

The match has already sparked discussion after the Football Associations of both countries said they will defy a poppy ban on their shirts imposed by Fifa for the match taking place two days ahead of Remembrance Day.

English FA chief executive Martin Glenn said the ban would be ignored and players will wear the poppy on black armbands as it is not a was not a religious, political or commercial symbol.

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate said he is pleased that the players will "honour the sacrifice of those who have gone before us". He told the BBC: "It's part of our identity as a nation."

Meanwhile, thousands of Scottish fans expecting to arrive in London have been urged not to gather in ­Trafalgar Square as usual, as the Royal British Legion will be holding a memorial service there.