The Stoke City manager Gudjon Thordarsson has appealed to the club's fans to be on their best behaviour when Cardiff visit the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday night.
Thordarsson is aware of the troubles which marred the clubs’ last meeting at the Britannia in April 2000, when the antics of supporters resulted in five-year bans for some of the people found misbehaving on that occasion.
The Icelander has warned that the FA will take a dim view if there is a repeat of the violence.
What makes the clash even more sensitive is the proximity of the two teams at the top of the Nationwide League Second Division. The Welsh side is in 5th position and can gain ground on their hosts with a win, while Stoke would go three points clear of the second-placed club, Brighton and Hove Albion.
“Feelings will be running high because of the importance of the game to both clubs – but we don’t want anything silly,” says the City boss.
"It's vital we all keep our heads and I want supporters to do what they do best - get behind the team. We could be punished heavily if our fans are involved in any trouble.”
Stoke launched the City True Supporters charter this week in conjunction with Fans Forum. And the Potters manager wants law-abiding fans to prevent troublemakers causing problems by alerting stewards and police.
He adds: "Sensible supporters have a big part to play in helping keep the peace. We've all got to make sure we look after the interests and good name of Stoke City.
"The football world will be looking at this fixture and we want to show everyone the progress we have made in terms of the behaviour of our fans."
City’s Chief Executive Jonathan Fuller remarked that this high-profile occasion needs to be remembered for the right reasons.
He says: “All our fans can play their part in ensuring that all that makes the headlines is the football.
“The club has made great efforts over the last 12 months to improve the experience for all supporters attending matches at the Britannia Stadium.
“Part of this procedure has been the introduction of a Supporters Charter, which has been produced by the True Supporters Committee in conjunction with the Fans Forum.”
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