A Birmingham remembrance parade has been shortened after police officers were told to keep fans apart at the city's football derby instead.

The Solihull officers who normally carry out traffic duties for The Firs branch of the Royal British Legion in Castle Bromwich will be on patrol at Sunday's Birmingham City versus Aston Villa match at St Andrew's.

The club planned to march from the war memorial in The Green to a service at the Mary and St Margaret Church, then hold a salute to the flag before marching to the Arden Centre in Water Orton Road. This would have required 19 streets to be blocked off.

Now they will only be able to have a service at the war memorial.

Club secretary Frances Nicholas, aged 82, said: "It's annoying just because people can't behave at a football match, we lose out.

"The Legion is very important to people and it's very disappointing we can't hold a proper parade. I wouldn't like to say how it really makes me feel.

"This day is for veterans not just from the Second World War but Korea, the Falklands, Bosnia and it should be respected."

Yesterday a West Midlands Police spokeswoman said the force would devote a minimal number of officers to the reduced service in Castle Bromwich.

"There will be 45 to 50 officers across the borough of Solihull for remembrance services on Sunday and there will be road closures," she said.

"The West Midlands Police Safety First document states police should not use emergency powers to close roads and carry out rolling roadblocks for planned events. This is adopted by the force.

"It is recognised it is difficult for organisations to get used to new ways of working which is why there will be some operational support at this year's parades.

"We will be working with organisers at the start of next year to see how we can assist in 2009 remembrance parades."

In an attempt to prevent trouble between fans, Birmingham City FC captain Liam Ridgewell yesterday joined Villa skipper Gareth Barry to remind them of the significance of Remembrance Sunday.

Ridgewell said: "Fans have been looking forward to the derby for a long time and we know emotions can run high.

"But I'd like to encourage fans to remember it is Remembrance Sunday and give the representatives of the Royal British Legion, a warm welcome to St Andrew's."

Barry added: "I feel honoured and privileged to have represented my country at the highest level, but let's not forget the armed forces are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"It's good to know that the Legion works tirelessly to ensure that the ex-service community have a voice and help is on hand for them and their families."

The Royal British Legion will have a strong presence at the game, helping raise awareness and funds to support their ongoing commitment to the armed forces and their dependants.

A guard of honour will lead the teams out with representatives from all of the armed forces and a giant poppy will be laid on the pitch with bucket collections around the ground.

Birmingham's main Remembrance Sunday service will take place from 10am on Sunday in Centenary Square and the Hall of Memory.