Football fans in Chichester are being banned from wearing England shirts for post-match celebrations in pubs.

The strict rules mean supporters can only sport their soccer tops in bars while watching World Cup matches and for an hour afterwards.

Publicans say the measure is aimed at preventing rowdy fans from causing trouble.

But England supporters in the Sussex city have condemned the move.

Fans are being barred from wearing England gear

John Walters, a keen England fan who is involved with the town's referees' association, said: "I think it is a shame and a bit ridiculous.

"Just because you have an England shirt on does not mean you are going to cause trouble.

"I saw people outside pubs following one of the matches and many had England shirts on but they weren't harming anybody.

"But that is Chichester for you - it's very straight-laced."

The controversial decision was taken by the Chichester pub watch committee, in conjunction with police, following violence after England's match with Argentina.

Drinking curbed

Landlords believe the measure has already proved successful in curbing binge drinking and football related violence.

Ben Hope, from the Hope Inn, said: "After the Argentine game a small element, I wouldn't use the word "fans", caused trouble in the city centre.

"The committee decided to prohibit the wearing of football shirts after games.

"If people are still wearing England shirts, it means they have been drinking all day or they are from out of town and are less concerned about their own behaviour."

A total of 35 pubs now only allow fans to wear football shirts for the match and an hour afterwards.

Then, following a two-hour cooling off period when the pubs close, a strict dress code is enforced which bans the wearing of football shirts.

Reduced violence

However a number of pubs around Chichester contacted by the BBC said they had no intention of enforcing the ban.

One landlord from a pub in the city centre said asking people to remove the shirts was more trouble than it was worth.

But, David Ward from Sussex Police, said: "It has been a successful approach - decreasing the number of alcohol-related incidents, meaning fewer call-outs for us."

He said that the rules would not ruin people's enjoyment of the matches.

"People in Chichester have the best of both worlds - they can watch the matches on big screens in the pubs and then enjoy a night free from violence."