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Last Updated: Saturday, 14 February, 2004, 12:58 GMT
Police warm up for Euro fan watch
Police will be patrolling Birmingham International Airport this weekend to stop troublemakers flying to Portugal for next week's football match.

Police from both countries are treating the friendly international on Wednesday as a warm up for the Euro 2004 finals.

Officers will target people who may be subject to banning orders or those who have records for offences of disorder.

West Midlands Police currently have 132 football banning orders in place and numerous others pending.

Passports confiscated

A West Midlands Police spokesman said they were determined to stop anyone who was intent on causing football-related trouble from travelling to Portugal.

"Anyone who falls into this group would be well advised to stay at home because they are likely to find that their passport is confiscated and they are instructed to appear in court," he said.

"Anyone arrested will be issued with a banning order, which prevents hooligans from attending games both in the UK and abroad for up to eight years.

"The overwhelming majority of England fans are law-abiding and peaceful but the mindless few who are incapable of behaving themselves will not be tolerated."


SEE ALSO:
Hooligans banned from Euro 2004
14 Feb 04  |  England
'Hooligans' banned from Euro 2004
05 Feb 04  |  England


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