Liverpool FC Beef Up Security

All bags will be searched at Liverpool's home matches next season as part of the club's increased security in light of the recent disgraceful terrorist attacks on London.

Although the European champions believe the systems already in place at Anfield are well-tuned and effective, stadium manager Ged Poynton feels that in the current climate, extra precautions are necessary.

He said: "Stadiums are soft options and vulnerable, and it is an impossible task to be 100% safe unless you introduce airport style security.

"Bags have been randomly searched in the past, but from now on every bag will be searched. People have the right to refuse but we also have the right to refuse entrance."

As part of the club's arrangements in existence prior to July's attacks, the stadium is searched before each game and Poynton revealed that other, more extreme measures can be taken in worst-case scenarios.

"We are able to shut the stadium down or close off sections," he said, "and we do practise such eventualities."

Liverpool's poor-neighbours Everton have also moved to reassure fans that their Goodison Park ground is well-protected by security arrangements already in place.

"We have lived through this for years," said Norman Whibley, the stadium's security officer.

"Liverpool FC has in years gone by been considered a potential target so we have tried and tested plans."

The club have reviewed these plans after the events in London, and Whibley also revealed that Goodison Park security staff will meet with Special Branch officers for advice on further action that can be taken to stave off the threat of terrorism.

Whether Everton will follow Liverpool's lead and introduce searches is uncertain, though it is thought that the Premier League will recommend similar measures for all clubs in anti-terrorism guidelines to be revealed later this week.

Last week, Darlington became the first English club to announce comprehensive and compulsory searches of all bags at their ground after a bomb scare forced the cancellation of a pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough.