Topgolf says it will turn away anyone wearing a football shirt this weekend.

The driving range venue says the temporary rule has been introduced following discussions with police about Watford’s game against rivals Luton on Saturday.

In a post on its Facebook page, Topgolf said: “Please note that Topgolf Watford will be refusing entry to any individual wearing a football shirt over the coming weekend.

“This comes as part of our response to a warning we have received from the police relating to the Watford vs Luton match on Saturday.”

Watford Observer:

The Facebook post by Topgolf Watford

Although the game is behind closed doors and will not be broadcast on television, the authorities appear to be wary of potential trouble in Watford as the Hornets and Hatters meet at Vicarage Road for the first time in 14 years.

This morning, Watford FC has even gone to lengths to board up its statue of legendary manager Graham Taylor which has sat proudly outside Vicarage Road since August 2018.

Contractors arrived this morning to place protective hoarding around the statue.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

Read more: Graham Taylor statue boarded up ahead of Luton clash

Yesterday, the club said it is "fully co-operating" with all relevant authorities, including Hertfordshire Constabulary, to ensure the fixture passes "safely and securely".

The Championship fixture has even been brought forward to 12.30pm on the request of Hertfordshire Constabulary and the police force has confirmed extra officers have been drafted in to patrol Watford on Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Matt Nicholls said: "I want to reassure our local communities that we are working closely with our colleagues in Bedfordshire, Watford Borough Council and the respective football clubs to limit anti-social behaviour and disorder.

"We will have a high-visibility police presence at train stations and in city centres across Hertfordshire to make sure the match goes ahead peacefully as planned. I would like to remind supporters of both teams of the new Government rules of the 'rule of six' – no more than six people can meet in a group indoors or outdoors."

Watford Observer:

There will be an extra police presence in Watford on Saturday. Credit: Holly Cant

Watford against Luton is one of the biggest rivalries in English football and previous meetings have got very heated, most recently in 2002.

A League cup fixture in September 2002 was marred by hooliganism with fights breaking out in Watford town centre between rival fans before the game.

Once inside the ground, away fans invaded the pitch several times and several banning orders were issued in the aftermath of the game.

Watford Observer:

Police guard the edge of the pitch at the game at Vicarage Road in 2002. Credit: Action Images

Fixtures between the two sides in the 20th century were also marred by crowd trouble.

But this Saturday, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no fans will be allowed in and the game has also not been selected for TV.

But police have issued a warning to anyone intent on coming to Watford to cause trouble.

Chief Supt Nicholls added: "Anyone who comes into Hertfordshire to cause criminal damage, violence or anti-social behaviour can expect to be arrested.

"If you have any information about supporters who intend to cause disruption, please report online at herts.police.uk/Report/ or call 101 in confidence."