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26/05/2004
Banning orders set to curb Euro 2004 hooliganism
Record numbers of "football troublemakers" will be banned from travelling to Portugal this summer for Euro 2004, according to Home Office figures released today.
Currently, 2,188 people have been banned from attending domestic and international football matches, including June's European championships – compared to just 100 for Euro 2000. The championships run from 12 June to 4 July.
Home Office Minister Caroline Flint warned that any other fans who have previously caused trouble and are felt by police to pose a continuing risk could also be prevented from leaving the UK or entering Portugal.
Up to £5 million from the Home Office has funding targeted, intelligence-led policing operations to maximise the impact of the legislation. There will be an extensive police ports operation prior to the tournament to identify any potential troublemakers and the Portuguese have said that anyone else who is known to pose a risk to public order will be denied entry.
The banning orders are part of "the most extensive multi-agency preparations ever for an overseas football tournament", the Home Office said.
The government has worked closely with Portuguese authorities, the British Embassy in Portugal, ACPO, NCIS, the Football Association and other experts to ensure the tournament is peaceful.
Ms Flint said: "Everyone involved in Euro 2004 wants it to be a genuine festival of football. The vast majority of fans want to have a good time, and we are determined not to let a thuggish minority ruin the tournament for genuine supporters."
She added: "We believe we have done everything we can to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament. The Portuguese and English share a passion for the ‘beautiful game’, and with everyone working together I am sure that Euro 2004 will be a wonderful sporting event."
David Swift, Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire police and head of the English police team for Euro 2004, said: "For the vast majority of England fans - who we know are decent, law abiding citizens - I can guarantee that the police, government and Portuguese authorities will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament.
"I can also promise that we will do everything possible to prevent the very small minority of so-called fans who would seek to cause disorder from ruining the tournament for everyone else."
The government will be co-hosting dedicated supporters’ roadshows - the first in Manchester on June 6 - that will advise on issues such as accommodation and travel – for those travelling to Portugal.
(gmcg)
Currently, 2,188 people have been banned from attending domestic and international football matches, including June's European championships – compared to just 100 for Euro 2000. The championships run from 12 June to 4 July.
Home Office Minister Caroline Flint warned that any other fans who have previously caused trouble and are felt by police to pose a continuing risk could also be prevented from leaving the UK or entering Portugal.
Up to £5 million from the Home Office has funding targeted, intelligence-led policing operations to maximise the impact of the legislation. There will be an extensive police ports operation prior to the tournament to identify any potential troublemakers and the Portuguese have said that anyone else who is known to pose a risk to public order will be denied entry.
The banning orders are part of "the most extensive multi-agency preparations ever for an overseas football tournament", the Home Office said.
The government has worked closely with Portuguese authorities, the British Embassy in Portugal, ACPO, NCIS, the Football Association and other experts to ensure the tournament is peaceful.
Ms Flint said: "Everyone involved in Euro 2004 wants it to be a genuine festival of football. The vast majority of fans want to have a good time, and we are determined not to let a thuggish minority ruin the tournament for genuine supporters."
She added: "We believe we have done everything we can to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament. The Portuguese and English share a passion for the ‘beautiful game’, and with everyone working together I am sure that Euro 2004 will be a wonderful sporting event."
David Swift, Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire police and head of the English police team for Euro 2004, said: "For the vast majority of England fans - who we know are decent, law abiding citizens - I can guarantee that the police, government and Portuguese authorities will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament.
"I can also promise that we will do everything possible to prevent the very small minority of so-called fans who would seek to cause disorder from ruining the tournament for everyone else."
The government will be co-hosting dedicated supporters’ roadshows - the first in Manchester on June 6 - that will advise on issues such as accommodation and travel – for those travelling to Portugal.
(gmcg)
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11 June 2004
Summer crackdown on 'drunken yobs' begins
A summer-long campaign to tackle alcohol-fuelled disorder in town and city centres starts this weekend. Police forces throughout England and Wales will target drunken and yobbish behaviour during Euro 2004, and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office are set to roll out a concerted enforcement campaign.
Summer crackdown on 'drunken yobs' begins
A summer-long campaign to tackle alcohol-fuelled disorder in town and city centres starts this weekend. Police forces throughout England and Wales will target drunken and yobbish behaviour during Euro 2004, and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office are set to roll out a concerted enforcement campaign.
08 October 2003
England fans warned to stay away from Istanbul clash
The Foreign Office has today strongly advised England fans not to travel to this weekend's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul. The advice follows up on Uefa's decision to ban England fans from travelling to Turkey after serious clashes involving both sets of fans at the first leg tie in Sunderland last April.
England fans warned to stay away from Istanbul clash
The Foreign Office has today strongly advised England fans not to travel to this weekend's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul. The advice follows up on Uefa's decision to ban England fans from travelling to Turkey after serious clashes involving both sets of fans at the first leg tie in Sunderland last April.
02 April 2003
Home nations set for Euro 2004 qualifying action
England go into tonight's home Euro 2004 fixture against Turkey at the Stadium of Light looking for a victory that will take them to the top of group 7. While Sven Goran Eriksson's side have been criticised in some quarters for lacking passion in recent matches his team are still favourites for a victory tonight.
Home nations set for Euro 2004 qualifying action
England go into tonight's home Euro 2004 fixture against Turkey at the Stadium of Light looking for a victory that will take them to the top of group 7. While Sven Goran Eriksson's side have been criticised in some quarters for lacking passion in recent matches his team are still favourites for a victory tonight.
13 May 2008
BBC Kicks Off Euro 2008 In HD
For the first time ever, BBC coverage of the UEFA European Football Championship will be broadcast in both high definition and 5.1 surround sound. The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship - Euro 2008 - will take place in Austria and Switzerland, from 7 June to 29 June 2008.
BBC Kicks Off Euro 2008 In HD
For the first time ever, BBC coverage of the UEFA European Football Championship will be broadcast in both high definition and 5.1 surround sound. The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship - Euro 2008 - will take place in Austria and Switzerland, from 7 June to 29 June 2008.
16 February 2004
Minister oversees joint security measures for Euro 2004
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears is visiting Portugal this week to see first hand the joint co-operation between UK and Portuguese authorities ahead of the Euro 2004 football championships.
Minister oversees joint security measures for Euro 2004
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears is visiting Portugal this week to see first hand the joint co-operation between UK and Portuguese authorities ahead of the Euro 2004 football championships.
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