Sniffer dogs part of beefed up Wembley security for Fury v Whyte

Substantial numbers of sniffer dogs to search for cocaine among fans will be part of a beefed up security plan for Saturday night’s WBC heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte, the Guardian has learned.

There will also be a “significant number” of police stationed inside and outside the stadium, along with security staff and stewards, in a bid to avoid the drug and drink fuelled violence that marred the Euro 2020 final.

Up to 94,000 people are expected to attend the fight, making it the largest boxing event ever staged in Britain, and the biggest test for Wembley since England’s match with Italy last summer.

In response organisers have drawn up what they are calling an enhanced security plan, which includes “high numbers” of search dogs and handlers patrolling all areas approaching the stadium and a larger police presence.

Fans have also been warned that anyone drinking on Olympic Way and the surrounding streets will be asked to hand over their alcohol.

Wembley has confirmed to the Guardian that more security will be in place than for Anthony Joshua’s two fights at the national stadium in 2017 and 2018.

The expectation is that the enhanced police and security presence will help set the tone for the night and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone attending.

The measures are also a response, in part, to Lady Casey’s report into the trouble at the Euro 2020 final, which found that there was “collective failure” to see the dangers of fans, influenced by alcohol and drugs, going on the rampage.

“Our team of role models were in our first major final for 55 years,” said Casey in December. “However they were let down by a horde of ticketless, drunken and drugged up thugs who chose to abuse