One of the city's biggest ever policing operations - and the largest ever at the Valley Parade soccer ground - will be mounted this weekend for the Bradford City and Leeds United clash.

More than 200 police officers and upwards of 100 stewards will monitor Sunday's derby match at Valley Parade amid fears the fixture could spark violent clashes.

Police fear Leeds fans could clash with their Bradford counterparts after buying tickets for the Ciba home stand.

The match kicks off at 4pm to accommodate the television cameras. Police are urging pubs in the city centre to help keep a lid on potential trouble by remaining closed until 7pm. Bradford Central Chief Inspector Ray Shepherd, who will be in charge of policing the match, said the majority of pubs had agreed to the request.

"Almost all the pubs will be closing and those which do remain open will be locking their doors for private functions," he said.

"The match is a sell-out. If supporters turn up without a ticket they won't be able to go into a pub. People should be turning up to enjoy the football, but if they do try anything in the way of disorder we are well equipped to deal with it."

Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond and his counterpart at Leeds United, Peter Ridsdale will make a joint appeal for calm to supporters tomorrow.

When the two clubs met at Elland Road in the Worthington Cup 18 months ago 51 Bradford supporters and eight Leeds supporters were arrested.

And there are fears this weekend's fixture could generate added tension among the Asian community following the arrest of two Leeds players in connection with an attack on Asian student Sarfaz Najeib.

Chief Inspector Shepherd said: "I think the people of Bradford and the Asian community are responsible enough not to cause problems over something which is clearly irrelevant to the match itself.

"We are aware there are some Leeds supporters who have bought tickets for the Ciba home stand and are helping the club deal with that.

"This is the biggest police operation ever mounted for a match at Valley Parade and one of the largest in the city. There will be extra police and stewards inside and outside the ground, and an additional team of officers in the city centre.''

In a statement, Bradford City said fans were being urged to "conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to upholding the good name of Yorkshire football".

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