A TOTAL of 23 football fans in Cheshire – including two from Warrington – who are subject to banning orders have been reminded to surrender their passports ahead of the World Cup.
The passports must be handed in today (Monday) or tomorrow – and if they are not the people concerned face the prospect of being arrested.
Superintendent Richard Rees, overseeing the Cheshire policing operation for the World Cup, said: “In the run-up to the World Cup we have contacted 23 Cheshire residents who have a football banning order and a passport asking them to hand it in to police.
“As part of football legislation anyone banned from matches must hand in their passport before an international football tournament begins. Anyone who fails to do so can face the prospect of being arrested.
“I would urge anyone with a football banning order to hand in your passport at your local police station.”
The orders, which last a minimum of three years, can be granted by the courts when someone is convicted of a football related offence. They are issued to help prevent violence and disorder at or in connection with football matches both at home and abroad.
In addition to passport surrender, all those subject to the orders must inform the police if they move house. Courts can also impose numerous other conditions, such as being excluded from certain areas on match days, if this is felt necessary.
Banned soccer fans must hand in passports today
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