Leeds clinch hooligan title

2006-10-21 12:03

London - Fallen English giants Leeds United, battling against relegation in the second tier Championship this season, gained the unenviable title of the club with the most soccer banning orders on Friday.

The orders are slapped on English soccer hooligans to prevent trouble makers attending games at home and abroad.

An extra 20 orders were imposed on Leeds' fans in 2006, bringing its total to 115.

Portsmouth were second with 110, followed by Cardiff City (last year's highest, falling from 152 orders to 109), Stoke City (108) and Manchester United (106).

Stoke City also gained the largest number of orders in the year - 58.

Home office figures released on Saturday showed there were 3 387 soccer fans subjected to the orders.

A total of 995 were imposed during the year, making a net total rise of 7% year-on-year after allowing for expired orders.

Meanwhile, arrests for soccer-related offences dipped by 7% to 3 462 - for the third consecutive season.

British home office minister Vernon Coaker said: "I am very encouraged by the new figures.

"A 7% decrease in soccer-related arrests coupled with a 7% increase in soccer banning orders shows that tough legislation and targeted policing continues to be effective."

- AFP