Banned football fans across Cheshire have been ordered to surrender their passports this week ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Twenty-three fans who are subject of a football banning order must hand in their passports today or tomorrow as part of that order to prevent them from travelling to Russia.
The World Cup kicks off on June 14, and forces across the UK will be working to prevent banned supporters from travelling.
Of the 23 in Cheshire, six are from the Crewe and Nantwich area, two from Warrington, one from Northwich, three from Widnes, two from Macclesfield and nine from Chester.
All have received letters to remind them and anyone who fails to do so faces the prospect of being arrested.
Superintendent Richard Rees, overseeing the Cheshire Police operation for the World Cup, said: “In the run-up to the World Cup we have contacted 23 Cheshire residents who have a football banning order and a passport asking them to hand it in to police.
“As part of football legislation anyone banned from matches must hand in their passport before an international football tournament begins.
“Anyone who fails to do so can face the prospect of being arrested.
“I would urge anyone with a football banning order to hand in your passport at your local police station on either Monday or Tuesday this week.”
The orders, which last a minimum of three years, can be granted by the courts when someone is convicted of a football related offence.
They are issued to help prevent violence and disorder at or in connection with football matches at home and abroad.
In addition to passport surrender, those subject to the orders must inform police if they move house.
Courts can also impose other conditions, such as being excluded from certain areas on match days.
Recent Comments