EIGHT football thugs who follow Ipswich Town have been banned from leaving Britain for England's European Championship qualifying clash in Slovakia.In total 1,130 fans from across England and Wales have been required to surrender their passports for England's match on Saturday.

EIGHT football thugs who follow Ipswich Town have been banned from leaving Britain for England's European Championship qualifying clash in Slovakia.

In total 1,130 fans from across England and Wales have been required to surrender their passports for England's match on Saturday.

These people either have previous hooligan convictions or are suspected by police of planning violence at the match.

Under the Football Disorder Act 2000 fans who the authorities fear may be intent on causing trouble have been sent letters by the Home Office on behalf of the police ordering them to hand in their passports at a designated police station.

Pc Dave King, football liaison officer for Ipswich Police, today said: "Eight people who follow Ipswich Town have received banning orders.

"This means that when Ipswich or England play abroad these individuals have to produce themselves, together with their passport, in the week prior to the match. On the day of the game they then have to report to a designated police station.

"Anyone who fails to surrender their passport or who does not turn up has committed an offence and can be arrested."

Authorities at all ports will ensure that known football hooligans are prevented from leaving the mainland.

Immigration desks at ports and borders in the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia have issued stern warnings to so-called fans to think twice about travelling to their countries.

All fans who received a letter are required to surrender their passports during the controlled period of six days proceeding the game and their passports will not be returned until after the fixture.

The 2000 act was introduced after England fans were involved in a series of violent clashes in Belgium during Euro 2000.