British hooligans face new law

New legislation to tackle football hooliganism comes into force in England and Wales today.

Police will be able to stop suspected as well as known troublemakers from travelling to matches abroad by confiscating their passports in the five days leading up to an international game.

The suspects can then be taken to court and banned from attending overseas matches for up to ten years.

The new law was introduced after violence involving English fans during the Euro Two-thousand tournament; its first effects will be seen at England's match against France in Paris in a week's time. Police have warned that although the new act will be in force, it will take time for them to compile the evidence they require to stop all suspects from travelling.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service