GMP

POLICE in Greater Manchester have issued more football banning orders than any other force outside London.

A total of 272 soccer hooligans are currently banned from attending matches at home or abroad under orders issued by GMP.

London has 307 hooligans banned. Cheshire has issued 39 bans, Merseyside 58 and Lancashire 91.

Greater Manchester police said: "There are eight professional football teams in the Greater Manchester area with a significant number of supporters who attend home and away matches.”

"The majority of supporters are genuine football fans, however there are some people who attend matches to cause trouble”.