Ban warning for football thugs

The warning comes from West Yorkshire Police on the eve of the new season. Officers are prepared for a host of derby games involving clubs across Yorkshire, as well as other clubs with notorious elements among their fan base.

A police spokesman said: "The new season will see more high-profile derby matches played out in West Yorkshire than in recent years, and officers are keen to ensure that supporters' main talking point is their clubs' prospects of promotion."

Last season the force's dedicated Football Banning Order Unit secured 26 injunctions against men from across the UK for their involvement in disorder following fixtures involving West Yorkshire clubs.

The force not only investigates people from the region who become involved in disorder, but also compiles evidence on visiting troublemakers.