Judges back ban on hooligans

The Government's battle against football hooliganism won the backing of two High Court judges today when they upheld bans on suspected trouble makers attending matches at home and abroad.

In a landmark test case ruling Lord Justice Laws sitting with Mr Justice Poole said the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 was not in breach of European laws on movement of citizens between member states or in breach of the Human Rights Act.

Two Derby and two Leeds fans challenged their bans with some 200 other supporters grounded by the legislation awaiting the outcome. Lord Justice Laws said the safeguards in the Act were "amply justified".

In claims their rights had been breached, the judge said an individual's private right had to be weighed against the public interest.

All four men were legally aided at an estimated cost of more than £100,000.