Police will not tolerate hooligan behaviour at the game

They have warned that the behaviour which marred England's game against Turkey at Sunderland in April will not be tolerated.

Cleveland Police has been planning for the Euro 2004 qualifier for months, with the support of the FA, Middlesbrough Football Club, the local authority, and town centre management.

Middlesbrough district police commander Dave Lumb said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for the people of Teesside and England fans in general to show the rest of the world English football at its best.

"We will not tolerate any form of anti-social or racist behaviour, and will be showing a firm but fair approach to policing before, during and after the game.

'Small minority'

"The game is a sell out - please don't turn up without a ticket, you will simply be turned away."

Chief Superintendent Lumb said measures were in place to minimise disturbances.

They include the FA's decision to remove the front row of seats to lessen the likelihood of a pitch invasion as seen at the England v Turkey match.

He said the majority of supporters coming to the game were true football fans, although it was feasible there would be a small minority intent on causing trouble.

Closed doors

"People that are obviously drunk will not even get past the turnstiles, and anyone, no matter which team they support, who displays racist or abusive behaviour will be very firmly dealt with.

"We have had leaflets printed for the relatively small number of Slovakian supporters we anticipate and these clearly set out the standards of behaviour we expect from them during match day.

"There will also be information on what to do if they do experience any behaviour which they feel is unacceptable."

There were fears the game would have to be played behind closed doors because of racist chants at the Turkey game, and pitch invasions when England scored.