Two Derby County fans have appeared in court after police applied to have them banned from football matches.

They were two of six suspected hooligans stopped at airports around England on Thursday as they attempted to travel to the England match in Slovakia.

The move is part of a surveillance operation by the National Crime Intelligence Service.

David Batkin and Ashley Flintham were both given bail after appearing at Solihull Magistrates Court on Friday.

Summer scuffles

A third Derby County fan was stopped at Heathrow Airport on Thursday.

All six of the fans stopped are known to the NCIS.

Mr Batkin and Mr Flintham, both from Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire, disputed attempts to ban them from attending matches in Britain and overseas.

The banning orders could mean they are prevented from going to any match at home or abroad for between 2 and 3 years.

Derby County fans were involved in a large disturbance with Sheffield United fans in the summer.

International police

England are due to play Slovakia in the Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.

The NCIS has been co-ordinating its efforts with officials in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria.

These countries have agreed to swap intelligence on known or suspected troublemakers and refuse entry to those regarded as a significant threat.

The NCIS is also maintaining a surveillance operation on those who have not committed any offence but are regarded as possible troublemakers.

The hearing was adjourned until 31 October.