We're no louts, says Polish football chief

HANOVER, June 6 (Reuters) Poland's football association chief criticised German police today for labelling Polish fans as a major potential source of trouble at the World Cup.

Police and foreign media have played up the threat from Polish hooligans at the tournament, helped by some fans grabbing headlines with promises to cross the border armed with pick-axes and knives to attack German and English supporters.

Fans also marked the end of the Polish league season with a week of rioting last month, but FA head Michal Listkiewicz said soccer-related violence in Poland remained far less widespread than in some western European countries.

Most ordinary Polish fans agree that violence is rare in the domestic league, but say there is a chance that the hardcore hooligan element, estimated by police at up to 3,000, will travel. At least 40,000 Polish fans are expected in total.

REUTERS AY VC1510