Channel ports alert for Cup hooligans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MUCH of the hooliganism expected to take place during the World Cup could break out en route to the matches rather than at the games themselves, police said yesterday.
With security at the stadiums likely to be very tight, police believe service stations along the French autoroutes and other stopping-off points could be the flashpoints where violence breaks out.
With the first game of France 98 just a week away, the British authorities have stressed they are doing all they can to prevent the hard-core of troublemakers even getting across the Channel.
Yesterday, the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, announced that the number of restriction orders placed against suspected hooligans had risen to 65. The orders require the person to report to a police station during the matches or face up to six months' imprisonment. He also announced new bilateral arrangements with the French under which anyone convicted of a football-related offence in France can be put in front of magistrates on their return to Britain.
From next Monday, specialist football intelligence officers will mount a round-the-clock watch at all of Britain's ports and airports to try and identify known troublemakers and prevent them travelling to France.
"We will provide the French with the very best intelligence we can to help disrupt the activities of any British football hooligans," said Inspector Peter Chapman, head of the National Criminal Intelligence Service's football unit.
"The French have identified that many of the problems could take place at motorway service stations," he added.
The large, open-air screens which will broadcast the matches live in the cities where games are taking place - and where alcohol is likely to be sold - have also been identified as likely trouble-spots.
Airline strikes, page 16
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments