Police crackdown on World Cup hooligan travel

West Yorkshire Police has served summonses on ten men to appear before magistrates tomorrow as the Force begins its biggest ever push on Football Banning Orders, ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Over the last fortnight 12 men living across the country have been served with summons notices to appear before Leeds Magistrates' Court as part of Football Banning Order applications by West Yorkshire Police.

If successful, the orders will prevent the men from attending any fixtures involving Leeds United Football Club and being in the areas surrounding related stadiums on matchdays.

The orders would come into effect ahead of the FA Cup Final and domestic play-offs, and would also prevent the men from travelling to South Africa this summer and becoming involved in disorder at the World Cup.

Chief Supt Milsom said: "We are on the side of the ordinary football supporters who turn up to enjoy the match and get behind their team. They don't want their experience spoiled by the minority who become involved in disorder and hooliganism.

"By actively seeking Football Banning Orders ahead of end of the domestic season we aim to ensure this minority do not have the opportunity to take the shine off the festivities of the World Cup for the rest of us."