England stars issue plea to fans

Alan Shearer hopes fans will behave during Euro 2000

Two of England's most influential players, skipper Alan Shearer and star midfielder David Beckham, have pleaded with fans not to heap disgrace on their country during Euro 2000.

They both spoke out after trouble marred the Uefa Cup final between Arsenal and Galatasaray in Copenhagen and raised fresh concerns about violence at the European Championship finals.

Galatasary fan taunts Arsenal supporters

Shearer admitted his disgust at the scenes in Copenhagen as Arsenal and Galatasaray supporters clashed before the match.

He called for no repeat of the trouble that has surrounded the national side in recent major tournaments.

"They're not fans, the ones who go out there to look for trouble," the Newcastle striker said.

"The real football fans go out to watch a game of football.

Real football fans go out to watch a game of football

Alan Shearer

"It was very very unfortunate the other night. They're certainly not nice things and I hope we don't see them again.

"I'm sure it will be dealt with but it certainly isn't nice for our game and it isn't nice for England as a whole.

"But it has happened and we have to learn from it - but they're not football fans."

Beckham expressed his distate at the scenes in Copenhagen

And Beckham echoed Shearer's plea for England fans to stay out of trouble.

The Manchester United said everyone connected with the England team wanted to avoid a repeat of the Copenhagen violence.

"No-one wants to see any of that," said Beckham, who refused to be drawn any more on the question of football violence.