Two dozen Scunthorpe United supporters will be banned from leaving the country next month as part of a massive crackdown on World Cup football hooligans, reports This is Scunthorpe. The 24 men - who have not been identified - will be forced to surrender their passports and sign on at police stations in North Lincolnshire every time England play during this summer's tournament in South Africa.

The Iron fans, aged between 20 and 54, have been banned from attending football matches for a period of between three and 10 years after being found guilty of disorder-related offences at football matches in the UK.

Alan Leaver, Assistant Chief Constable of Humberside Police, said the 24 Scunthorpe fans would be among 120 banned supporters from this region officers would be looking for.

Mr Lever said: "It is a breach of the Football Banning Order to fail to surrender passports when required or to fail to sign on.

"All breaches will be vigorously enforced by the force.

"Throughout the world cup campaign there will be a national ports operation.

"It will involve a police presence at ports and airports to ensure troublemakers cannot leave the country for South Africa this summer.

"All those people with bans will be required to surrender their passports and to sign on at their local police station when England play."

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