Football hooligans face tear-gas in the US

AMERICAN police chiefs warned yesterday that serious outbreaks of football violence during the World Cup finals in their country next year would be met with tough action including tear-gas.

The officers said civil disturbances like the Los Angeles riots meant they were experienced in dealing with outbreaks of violence. They said 'chemical agents' like tear-gas, Mace and 'Catscan' - a red pepper spray - would be used if clashes similar to those involving English fans in Amsterdam and Rotterdam occurred.

The officers were in Rotterdam yesterday to see how Dutch and British police dealt with the Netherlands v England World Cup qualifying match last night.

Barry King, a commander with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department, said US police had long experience of riots. The violence he saw in Amsterdam where 197 English fans were arrested did not give him cause for concern.

Mike McCoy, deputy police chief in Orlando, Florida, said any English fans visiting the US would be treated in a civilised fashion. 'If you invite someone into your house you treat them like a guest. If they abuse your furniture and your home you ask them to leave. Our country has faced its share of social unrest so we are prepared for it.'

US officers had plenty to witness as English supporters fought running battles with police and Dutch fans in Rotterdam centre yesterday.

In the third consecutive day of violence, hundreds of fans were arrested. One Englishman was treated in hospital after being hit in the leg by shrapnel from a home-made 'bomb' made out of a tennis ball.

Dutch police also said they had received reports that an Englishman had been shot in the leg, but that the victim had not gone to any hospital or reported it to police.

Peter van Zundred for Rotterdam police said 700 officers attempted to cope with the thousands who arrived for last night's match. Clashes caused shops and restaurants to close and shoppers to shelter inside.

The Dutch authorities said 88 English fans were deported yesterday and 100 were expected to be returned to England today. Thirty- nine were deported on Monday and 25 refused entry at the border.

Many were fined for public order offences and were being forced to pay their fares home. Eleven English fans will appear in court on Monday charged with offences of violence in Amsterdam.