Football hooligans warned not to travel to Switzerland

Greater Manchester Police is warning football hooligans not to travel to Basel for the European Championship qualifying match between Switzerland and England on 7 September 2010.

Operation Breitling will target known or potential troublemakers travelling from Manchester Airport to commit football violence.

Plain clothed Football Intelligence and uniformed police officers will be stationed at the airport from Saturday (4 September 2010) until the game is finished.

During this four-day period, Greater Manchester Police will be rigorously enforcing banning orders that restrict the movements of known troublemakers before the match. There are a number of routes fans can fly to attend the match and officers will be monitoring all options available.

Officers will identify and prevent anyone known to have convictions for violence or football-related disorder from travelling to Basel.

The Football Banning Order Authority (UKFBOA) has sent out letters to specific people who are subject to Banning Orders. The recipients must follow certain courses of action, such as reporting to a police station on the day of the match and surrendering their passport. Any breaches of the conditions will be treated seriously.

Police Sergeant Ashley Keyte from Greater Manchester Police's Football and Public Safety Unit said: "As with all operations like this, we are sending out a clear message to people intending to travel to commit violence to think again.

"Plain clothes officers will be working to spot known trouble makers and uniformed officers will be providing a high-visibility presence at the airport, talking to fans and monitoring the situation.

"In past operations, the vast majority of people approached by officers were genuine supporters who were cooperative and understanding, but we have been successful in stopping a number of known hooligans travelling.

"Operation Breitling aims to continue the good work that has already been achieved in previous operations of this kind and prevent troublemakers ruining the reputation of genuine football fans."