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Search for11.01am - Football hooligans warned off Cheltenham
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 11:01
Officers in Cheltenham have warned football supporters that violence and disorder will not be tolerated at Saturday's match against Leicester after invoking new powers to prevent alcohol-related violence in the town at the last home game.
On August 16 police were faced with the prospect of a group of people travelling by train from Swindon who were associated with football related violence.
They had been drinking heavily and it was believed they were travelling to Cheltenham to cause a disturbance.
As a result officers invoked new powers under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act, 2006 that allow police to issue a direction to an individual to leave a locality if its thought their presence is likely to lead to alcohol-related disorder.
Football Intelligence Officer PC Mark Smith said: "We strongly believe that the people of Cheltenham should be able to go about their day without having to suffer the effects of football related violence and disorder.
"Visitors to Cheltenham and to the football are very welcome as long as they do not come to cause trouble."
The group were stopped at Cheltenham railway station and placed on a train back to Swindon. Officers from Gloucestershire also went on the train to ensure there was no disruption to other members of the public using the rail network.
PC Smith added: "Residents can be assured that we will respond in a positive and robust manner to anyone who is intent on engaging in such activity.
"We hope this sends a clear message that alcohol related disorder will not be tolerated in Cheltenham and that Gloucestershire Constabulary will continue to strive to keep football safe for local and visiting supporters."
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The Shed is the greatest viewing point in sport. To do anything to damage would be an outrage.
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