England look to banning orders to prevent trouble

LONDON, Jun 1: British police will rely on the banning orders which were used to such good effect in Euro 2004 to prevent known hooligans from travelling to the World Cup in Germany.

With unprecedented cooperation between the English and German authorities, both sides are confident they can prevent serious trouble from breaking out.

But observers warn however that given certain circumstances -- a mixture of sun, alcohol and heavy-handed police -- and violence could still flare.

Add to that the reputation of the fans, and British police have said they could also become a target for other supporters intent on trouble.

The banning orders, which were introduced following riots by England fans in Belgium during Euro 2000, are central to the government's drive to ensure their fans do not case trouble during the June 9 to July 9 tournament.

Some 3,300 have been issued for the duration of the competition.

Not only do they prevent known hooligans from leaving the country during a major tournament but they also reassure the host police that the worst fans will not be present. ''The banning orders ... will take out the core of what we see as the main troublemakers,'' Sports Minister Richard Caborn said last week.

''This was effective in Euro 2004 and, hopefully, it will work in Germany.

The 1998 World Cup in France -- the last time it was held in Europe -- was marred by rioting England fans and almost 1,000 English hooligans were arrested during Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands.

But there was little trouble at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan while Euro 2004 also passed off without too much trouble -- although some 50 people were arrested in a tourist town several hundred kilometres from where England were playing.

Many fans and a former hooligan have told Reuters that the key to a peaceful tournament is the approach taken by the police.

Police in Portugal, after taking advice from their British counterparts, operated a firm but fair approach and German officials have said they are keen to repeat it.

Under an agreement between the two governments, 79 English police officers will travel to Germany for the tournament and will be either working with the host Federal police at ports and on the trains while others will be based near the stadiums.

Of the 79, 49 will be uniformed while the rest will work as spotters to advise the German authorities. A small number of German police officers will also be present at English ports and airports to monitor England fans leaving for Germany.

REUTERS