Hungary steps up security for Norway match

BUDAPEST, Aug 31 (Reuters) Hungarian police and football authorities are to step up security at Saturday's European qualifer with Norway to prevent Hungarian fans endangering the country's Euro 2012 bid by displaying anti-Slovak banners.

Tension between the two ex-communist countries over the treatment of Hungarian minorities in Slovakia has risen in recent weeks after a far right party became part of a coalition government in Slovakia.

Last week a woman of Hungarian descent was beaten in Slovakia, prompting the Hungarian Prime Minister to complain to Bratislava.

Hungarian and Slovak football fans have in recent weeks displayed banners denigrating each other at club games.

''Three weeks ago we started to work with police and the head of Hungarian supporters' clubs. This game is highly important regarding security for UEFA as well and there will be 400 security people inside the stadium,'' said Otto Zimmmermann head of communications at the Hungarian FA.

Some 2,800 Norwegian fans are expected for the game.

Croatia and Hungary are bidding to co-host the 2012 competition.

Another join bid from Poland and Ukraine and a single bid from Italy have also been shortlisted. UEFA will make their decision on the bids in December.

Reuters PDS GC1925