Search for 58 banned football hooligans

POLICE are trying to track down 58 troublemakers stopped from travelling to the World Cup who have so far failed to hand over their passports.

More than 1,200 people subject to football banning orders have complied with the travelling exclusion period until the end of the tournament, according to Home Office figures.

Police will scour travellers at UK ports and airports to stop anyone on the list trying to get to Russia.

Football banning orders aim to stop hooligans travelling to international sporting fixtures.

They can last for up to 10 years and a breach can mean a £5,000 fine or six-month jail term.

Police will hold on to the documents of the 1,312 troublemakers until the World Cup final on July 15.

Officials are keen to avoid a repeat of scenes at Euro 2016 in France where Russian ultra’s had violent clashes with England supporters leaving two British fans in comas.

Violence

Policing minister Nick Hurd said: “The World Cup is a festival of football and is no place for violence or disorder.

“The UK’s system of football banning orders is unique and means that people intent on causing trouble in Russia will instead be staying at home.

“I’m grateful to police forces for taking the necessary enforcement action to ensure that these thugs won’t be able to ruin the tournament for real fans.”

More than 10,000 fans are expected to travel from the UK. Ticket sales have doubled to more than 32,000 within the past fortnight.

A UK policing delegation is heading to Russia, at the host country’s request, to work with counterparts.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the national lead for football policing, said: “Over the past 30 years the UK has made steady progress in eradicating the behaviour of those intent on engaging in football-related violence and disorder.”