World Cup 2010: Hooligans sent packing
The greatest sporting spectacle of the season is set to start on the 11th of this month in Johannesburg, and as the time for action nears stringent security means are being put in practice across the country.
The security plan includes clearing the stadiums, and host cities from hooligans from across the world.
The organisers have come into action with full force and backed by local police some of the most notorious hooligans have been sent packing out of the host nation, as South Africa promises a flawless tournament.
The organisers also got useful input from all participating teams, and in a joint move the United Kingdom police came into action at London's Heathrow airport on Wednesday checking passports as part of an effort to stop known troublemakers from making the trip to South Africa.
On the whole, passengers were not upset by the intrusion.
"I think it's absolutely fine, absolutely fine. If you've got nothing to hide it's not a problem. If we can keep our image, you know, intact for this tournament, I think it's fantastic," said one fan.
Commander Bob Broadhurst involved in the scrutiny of the passengers claimed "We've stopped several hundred people. Very busy day yesterday and it will start getting busy now. Yesterday two were detained who had a history of violence. They've both gone to court and they will both now be subject to banning orders,"
Similarly Argentine hooligans were deported from the host nation couple of days ago.
The disappointed fans arrived home in the capital city Buenos Aires on Wednesday, on the other hand some fans checked in for flights, hoping not to have the same fate as those expelled by authorities in South Afrcia.
In a clean-up operation held last Sunday the local police arrested ten hooligans, while one was caught by the authorities as he tried to sneak into country on Wednesday.
The Argentine media blamed the "Barrabravas", hooligans who belong to fan groups with a history of violence and corruption, of using illegal means and influence of some politicians to finance trips and pass through immigration despite criminal records.
One of the hooligans was out on bail for murder and was picked up at the airport by police.
Meanwhile, other Argentines, some of them "Barrabravas" and others unorganized fans, arrived at the airport to board planes bound for Johannesburg.
Some of the fans accused former Boca coach Carlos Bianchi of paying expenses for Boca fans, and conveniently ignoring the rest of the clubs and their fan base.
"Bianchi pays for the Boca Juniors' hooligans. No one pays for us. No one pays for Independiente. We've been raising money for the last four years, having raffles and all that. I hope Argentina wins and all of Argentina celebrates. We don't cause problems. We are mellow. We just want them to let us travel," said one agitated fan.
Despite the cleansing by the host nation, Argentina authorities estimate that around 100 "Barrabravas" are already in South Africa.
Many more are expected to arrive in the next three days leading up to the country's opener with Nigeria on January 12.
According to reports from the authorities that are seeking help from investigation agencies in the country most of the hooligans are staying at a rented school in a lower-class neighborhood in Pretoria, where the Argentinan squad is based.
Unlike the Argentines some 3000 English fans have been told to surrender their passports to prevent them traveling to the World cup
On the other hand the Argentine hooligans are thought to use political connections and seek the help of Argentine Football Association (AFA) and national government to move freely.
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