21 N.Wales hooligans banned from Euro 16
MORE than 20 football hooligans from North Wales are banned from attending Euro 2016.
The individuals, who have each been given football banning orders, are not allowed to travel to the eagerly-anticipated tournament in France which kicked off last week.
They were required to surrender their passports by June 1, with North Wales Police confirming that has been the case.
Excitement is building for Euro 2016 as it is the first major football tournament Wales have qualified for since 1958. Competing in Wales’ group are England, Russia and Slovakia.
A North Wales Police spokesman said: “Twenty one individuals from North Wales are subject to football banning orders. We are satisfied that none of those banned will be able to attend the Euros.”
Meanwhile, the force is urging football fans across North Wales who will be watching the tournament in pubs, clubs or at home to behave responsibly.
During Euro 2016 officers will be on patrol with a special focus on the Wales games on June 11, 16 and 20, and any further dates if the team progresses.
With the help of funding from the North Wales Substance Misuse Area Planning Board, the force will be working in partnership with St John’s Ambulance in Flintshire, taxi marshals in Conwy county and licensees across the region.
Supt Jane Banham said: “We want people to enjoy themselves, but we know from experience that some people will come to harm due to excessive alcohol and it is the emergency services and local councils who are left picking up the pieces.
“People need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in vio- lence through excessive drinking.”
She added: “Domestic abuse happens all year round, however during such large scale sporting events we sometimes see an increase in such incidents.
“A minority of people will use the occasion to drink too much alcohol and abuse their partner or someone they live with. We advise responsible drinking and we will deal immediately with anyone who commits domestic abuse.”