No go for English hooligans

Border checks stopped 24 known and suspected hooligans from travelling to Euro 200, while police also detained six ticket touts. On a relatively trouble-free day, authorities also sent three drunken fans back to England. Arriving at the port of Hook of Holland, the trio were abusive and drunk when they entered the Netherlands and immediately sent back.

In all, two dozen people were stopped from leaving England while two British hooligans were stopped by police at Brussels rail station as their Eurostar train arrived.

One of those sent back from Brussels was known through a documentary shown recently in Belgium in which he boasted "I will be your worst nightmare." Police spokeswoman Els Cleemput said passers- by immediately recognised him.

Police also arrested a group of German and Peruvian touts who had #5,000 in cash, a pistol and over 100 tickets. Touting is illegal in Europe.

Up to 17,000 ticketless English fans will arrive in Eindhoven today with police chief Johann Beelen saying: "Any violence will be met with violence".

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