Cops target soccer thugs at terminal

Jul 26 2009 by Adam Jupp, Sunday Sun

That was despite the fact he was arrested for running in front of Ajax fans at the Stadium of Light and kissing the badge of rival team Feyenoord. Ajax is the team hosting the tournament, during which saw Sunderland play Benfica on Friday night and take on Athletico Madrid tonight.

Flanagan is also contesting the move and there was a similar application to impose a bail condition preventing him from travelling overseas. But district Judge Roger Elsey refused and he has made the trip.

To back up the enforcement action, Northumbria Police’s football intelligence unit has also has a presence at Newcastle Airport and the North Shields ferry terminal between Thursday and today.

On Thursday, 150 fans travelled by ferry to Holland and 48 travelled from the airport. On Friday, 80 used the airport, with no fans on the ferry.

Chief Insp John Barnes said: "As well as having several officers across in Holland for the duration of the tournament we have also taken preventative action at home to prevent trouble.

"As part of this we have officers at the airport and the port monitoring fans. So far things have been very quiet with fans in good spirits.

"There is nothing to suggest there will be any disorder. Sunderland away fans are traditionally well behaved and we would expect them to respect the ground regulations and requests from local police and we are confident everyone will enjoy themselves.

"Anyone found causing problems inside or outside the ground risk being arrested and banned from future matches."