At least 2,300 football 'thugs' banned from World Cup by UK as part of crackdown on violent behaviour

More than 2,000 football "thugs" have been banned by the government from attending the World Cup.

The Home Office said it was enforcing restrictions on "known risk fans" to stop them from travelling to the US, Canada and Mexico, which will be hosting the upcoming tournament.

As of Monday, 2,318 people have been banned from travelling to the host nations as part of the UK government's efforts to crack down on violent and illegal behaviour at the World Cup.

The new measures mean 1,984 people with a football banning order (FBO) in England and Wales and who hold a UK passport will have to surrender their document to the police by 2 June.

Police will hold on to the passports until the World Cup final on 19 July.

Those subject to an FBO who hold a non-UK passport cannot be compelled to surrender their passport to the police but are still subject to travel restrictions.

Banning orders, which are imposed by courts and can last up to 10 years, can be issued for criminal offences like violent and public disorder, drug possession and ticket touting.

Breaching a banning order can result in an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence.

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Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: "The vast majority of football fans travel to support their team with pride and respect. But for the small minority of thugs who have let the side down in the past, we are clear: you are not welcome at this World Cup.

"Banning those with a history of disorder helps protect both local communities and the thousands of fans who simply want to enjoy the games. Our tough action means genuine fans can cheer on their teams safely and without being disrupted.

"For fans staying closer to home, we've put in place longer pub opening hours meaning more time to come together and back the home nations - right through to the final whistle and beyond."

The figures do not include those who the Scottish authorities may wish to prevent travelling to the World Cup.

As crime and policing are devolved matters and are the responsibility of the Scottish government, Scotland has its own legal framework for tackling football-related disorder.

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