MEP demands venue switch

Stade Communade in Charleroi under spotlight again

MEP Chris Heaton-Harris is hoping to persuade UEFA to switch England's Euro 2000 clash with Germany from Charleroi to Brussels.

Heaton-Harris, who represents the east midlands, fears the tiny Stade Communade in Charleroi is not suitable to stage the June 17 game.

Leading crowd safety expert Dr Jim Dickie told BBC TV's Watchdog programme in March that the ground is unsafe and would not be granted a safety licence in Britain.

And Heaton-Harris is convinced that concerns about the ground's safety should lead to UEFA switching the match to the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

"It strikes me as common sense to move the match," Heaton-Harris said.

MEP Chris Heaton-Harris unhappy with stadium choice

"The views of Dr Jim Dickie were particularly interesting. He highlighted a number of areas about the temporary top tier in the ground and said there would be none of these problems in Brussels.

"I don't think it is drastic to change the venue and I feel it is very prudent for Europe to get involved."

The Belgian port town of Ostende will draft in extra police to prevent trouble during Euro 2000.

The town, which is likely to be the port of arrival for thousands of England fans, will bring in 30 additional gendarmes, bringing the total up to about 300.

The town is planning a campaign to cut down on alcohol consumption during the tournament and will set up an information point for fans.

Ostende police said they expected the most difficult period to be from June 16 to 22.