POLICE are warning they will not stand for any trouble ahead of a major football clash.

Colchester United’s home tie against Norwich City, on Saturday, January 16, has been given Essex Police’s highest risk assessment for matches.

Relations between the two sides have been strained since the U’s beat Norwich 7-1 on the opening day of the season.

Colchester manager Paul Lambert and two members of his coaching team then left to take up posts at Norwich soon after, adding to the animosity.

The clubs are now locked in a dispute over compensation for their departure, with a tribunal set to be held at the end of this month.

The match, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, is expected to boast one of the largest attendances the ground has had since it opened in August 2008.

Supt Iain Logan, of Colchester police, said the anticipated 10,000-strong crowd at what would be a highly-charged local derby meant police would be prepared if there was trouble.

He said: “The initial assessment for the game is a category C, which is the highest assessment. This is just an initial stance though, and will be confirmed later in the week.

“We know it is going to be a really good local derby, very charged with a great atmosphere. We have got a lot of experience in managing different categories of games for a number of years, so we are ready.

“We are working very closely with licensees, traders and the club, with the overall intention to support the event and make sure it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“We will be treating anyone found behaving badly robustly and firmly.”

Last month, U’s chairman Robbie Cowling said he would rather take a financial hit and see an empty seat, than allocate extra tickets to Norwich fans.

While he insisted he has no problem with the fans, he added: “The Norwich board have acted appallingly towards our club recently and I’m not sure I have ever wanted to win a game of football so badly.”