Six football fans have been barred from going to the World Cup after a court banned them from attending soccer matches abroad for three years.

Chelsea supporters Tony Covele, 41, Desmond O'Flynn 37, Brian Mongey, 37, Richard Boulter, 42, appeared before Uxbridge magistrates in Middlesex on Monday where a banning order was made under the Football Disorder Act 2000.

The four were stopped at Heathrow Airport en route to England's World Cup qualifier against Germany last August.

Anthony Dempsey, 31, and Raymond Kennedy, 30, who were arrested with the four, failed to turn up to the court but were barred in their absence.

Police said all six were known for their violent and disorderly behaviour at previous football matches.

Under the order they must now surrender their passports to police whenever England and Chelsea play abroad.

A police spokesman said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the case. This sends out a very clear message to those involved in football hooliganism: Behave or you may lose all your rights to see your team play live."