Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City fans sent police warning | OneFootball

The Devon Derby will round off the EFL Cup first round on Monday night

Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will close out the first round of the EFL Cup for 2026/27 on Monday night at Home Park, with the Devon derby, unsurprisingly, selected for Sky Sports broadcast as a result.

Both the Pilgrims and Grecians were residing in League One last season, but the latter's relegation back into League Two for the first time in four years means that cup competitions are the only way for this hotly-contested fixture to be played out this term.

With bragging rights on the line, as well as the passage into the second round of the EFL Cup, a capacity crowd will be expected in PL2 for the encounter, and local police forces have already issued a warning to both sets of supporters in an attempt for the game to be an enjoyable spectacle without the need for adverse behaviour in and around the vicinity of Home Park.

Police warning issued ahead of Plymouth Argyle's EFL Cup clash with Exeter City

Action Images

Just four years ago, the Greens and Reds faced off for the first time since 2019, and a major policing operation in the city of Plymouth meant that local police forces were even supported by their colleagues in other areas of the South West such as Avon and Somerset, as well as the British Transport Police.

The two sides' last encounter only came four months ago in a 2-2 draw which hindered the chances of Tom Cleverley's side making the play-offs, as well as Exeter's failed survival bid, but only three arrests were made, with both fanbases receiving plaudits for their behaviour.

However, in a bid for such feats to occur again this time around, Devon and Cornwall Police Supt Ryan Doyle has issued a warning.

"Plymouth residents will see a heightened police presence on match day," said Doyle.

"As we know the vast majority of people attending the game will behave responsibly and support their team, but there can sometimes be a minority of people who are intent on engaging in poor behaviour."

It has also been confirmed that those travelling from St James' Park will be encouraged to head straight to the away section of the stadium rather than pubs in the city of Plymouth.

Home Park set for raucous EFL Cup atmosphere as police warning issued

Action Images

Last season's two encounters saw Exeter come out on top with four points from a possible six despite their relegation, even though the previous matchup at Home Park will still leave a bitter taste in the mouth after Malachi Boateng's last-gasp equaliser for Argyle.

Said match was played out in front of a capacity crowd of 17,016 supporters, which included over 1,000 from Exeter, and the same is expected again as the visiting side saw their allocation of 1,701 sold out well in advance of Monday night's game taking place.

Meanwhile, those wanting to cheer on Tom Cleverley's outfit are expected to have already purchased a ticket in advance also, with the club confirming on Saturday that pay-on-the-day tickets were unlikely to be on offer at the ticket office.

The home side have, themselves, also issued a warning when it comes to the behaviour of their own supporters.

Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City's seasons could be fuelled by derby success

Action Images

This is a strong opportunity for both Plymouth and Exeter to fuel their respective league campaigns in advance too, although Cleverley's men will head into the match as favourites despite the loss of prized asset, Lorent Tolaj, to Bristol City earlier in the summer.

A slow start to last season proved to be the Pilgrims' undoing in the play-off race, meaning a fast start this time around will be welcomed in a division that now includes Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.