UK Bans "Football Hooligans" from 2010 World Cup in South Africa

 

The troublemakers, referred to by the newspaper as “football hooligans,” are currently barred from attending soccer matches in England, and some have to surrender their passports to police before international soccer matches. The punishment is court-ordered for those who have proven to be disruptive at matches.

 

Here's how a Home Office spokesman described the ban, according to the Guardian:

"Football banning orders have proved highly effective in preventing known risk fans from travelling overseas to football matches," the spokesman said. "There has been no significant violence at any England match or tournament played overseas since 2000 when the current football disorder strategy was introduced along with very tough banning order legislation.

"The behaviour of English fans has improved dramatically in recent years and there is nothing to suggest that people will travel with the intention of causing problems. However, there is no complacency.

"Police will monitor all England fans on departure and intercept any known to pose a risk of violence or disorder, and we are working closely with South African authorities to help minimise any safety and security risks associated with hosting a major football tournament."

According to the BBC, these banning orders, as they are called, can last up to 10 years and conditions are applied on a case-by-case basis.

 

In order to apply the sanction for the month-long period that would cover the World Cup, however, the Home Secretary must first get approval from Parliament.

 

♦ Photo by isma San/Flickr