By Express News Service

KOCHI: Fans of Kerala Blasters who are all set to ring in 2018 in Kochi can heave a sigh of relief as the city's top cop assured that the match would go ahead on December 31.There were reports that the city police were reluctant to provide security for the Indian Super League (ISL) match at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium because it coincided with New Year's eve celebrations at Fort Kochi and could stretch the police force's resources.

However, city police commissioner M P Dinesh told 'Express' on Wednesday that the ISL match will go ahead as scheduled. "There is no doubt that more cops will be needed in the city for ensuring safety. But we have decided to conduct the match as decided earlier," he said.

As per official records, around 1,000 policemen are deployed in the city on ISL matchdays. Even though a private agency takes care of the security arrangements inside the stadium, the police are responsible for controlling the 50,000 fans and the heavy traffic. "More cops from other districts will be deployed to meet the demand. Tight security will be arranged in all parts of the city and Fort Kochi," the police commissioner said.A source with the Kerala Blasters said no discussion was held regarding the change.