FA stands firm on team's participation

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION last night condemned the violence but rejected suggestions that the England football team should withdraw from the tournament

Sir Brian Hayes, the FA's security adviser, said in Marseilles: "There has been brawling breaking out between the English fans and local Arab youths. I condemn it, so does the Football Association."

Asked if England should pull out of the tournament, he said: "That's absolute rubbish. The England team have been training for years. They've qualified; they're here as of right. This is nothing to do with football. This is just sheer hooliganism and drunkenness."