ENGLAND fans getting together for drinks before tonight's match in Ipswich were hit by a double whammy.Some pubs put up their prices as they prepared for their busy day – while others kept their doors shut because of the fear of hooligans.

ENGLAND fans getting together for drinks before tonight's match in Ipswich were hit by a double whammy.

Some pubs put up their prices as they prepared for their busy day – while others kept their doors shut because of the fear of hooligans.

Wetherspoons blamed the police after putting 20p on the price of a pint.

A company spokesman said: "From today the two Wetherspoons pubs in Ipswich – The Cricketers and The Golden Lion – have put 20p on a pint of lager and bitter after consultation with the police." The price increase is for the foreseeable future.

Police have advised pubs to serve beer in plastic glasses and officers expect some pubs to use this as an excuse to put up the price.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich police denied they had given advice to increase prices. She said: "It has absolutely nothing to do with us at all. If the licensees want to put up the price of their beer then it is entirely up to them. We certainly have not advised them too."

Meanwhile some terrified landlords are closing their pubs fearing they will be targeted by hooligans.

As David Beckham and company will lead England against Croatia at Portman Road tonight there are fears the game could be overshadowed by mindless vandals.

It comes as rumours of hooligans arranging to meet up via the internet and mobile phones at a specific pub in the town centre.

One landlord, who did not want to be named said "The police know there is going to be trouble.

"We have to be careful we do not want to upset our regulars but, if if there is a chance you will get your window smashed, it is just not worth the risk.

"The police are just doing their job and are doing it well. They have kept us up to date with everything that has been going on."

A police spokesman said they had advised landlords to take measures to reduce the risk of trouble – but had not advised any pubs to stay shut.

However some are refusing to open, including The Dove in St Helens Street, The Orchard in Woodbridge Road and The County Hotel in St Helens Street.

Others are going to be open but will have increased security.

The Drum and Monkey in Princes Street, Ipswich is right next to the Portman Road ground.

They have said they will stay open all day but have taken extra measures to stop any trouble.

Suzanne Rickwood, landlady of the pub said, "There will be police protection outside the pub and three doormen. Some places that have Sky television are going to stay open but a lot of people are deciding on the day.

"We are a high profile pub and we always have to be vigilant. The police have kept us informed with what is happening."