Fans at this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals will encounter a ring of steel from police

Fans at this weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals will experience a new, security-intense Wembley Stadium after the carnage that marred the Euro 2020 final.

An outer ring of steel, sniffer dogs and an increased police presence will greet followers of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

As Sportsmail reported, there was an enhanced operation at the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea, the first big match since Italy’s victory over England when ticketless fans stormed turnstiles. Now there will be similar measures in place.

A report found only good fortune prevented fatalities at a woefully unprepared Wembley last June. With a World Cup bid under way, the FA and Met Police want to show they have learned from the chaos, in which some forced their way in through disabled entrances.

What has been described as ‘high levels’ of police and stewards will patrol Olympic Way. Double the number of search dogs will be deployed, and numbers of police and stewards inside the stadium will see a ‘significant uplift’.

Olympic Way itself will be designated a no-drinking zone and police at the City v Liverpool clash will be on the lookout for Reds fans in areas reserved for City supporters. Concerns have grown following events at the Etihad on Sunday, where Liverpool’s first equaliser in the 2-2 draw sparked flashpoints. City have struggled to sell their allocation and tickets were still on sale last night.

With no direct trains from Manchester or Liverpool, police will also monitor service stations on the way from the North West. Previous games have seen fights in car parks.

Officers are also aware of the potential for protest from Chelsea supporters over the sale of the club and will keep an eye out for environmental campaigners following instances of fans tying themselves to goals.

‘Each club is responsible for selling its ticket allocation to its fanbase,’ a Wembley spokesperson said. ‘We monitor fan entrances and areas to help ensure everyone’s safety.

‘Spectators who attempt to enter, or are identified in, opposition areas will be immediately ejected.’