Essex Police will soon be at Harwich International Port to ensure any known hooligans do not travel to Euro 2004.
A total of 2,188 people around the country are currently banned from going to domestic or international football matches.
Home Office minister Caroline Flint said any other fans who had previously caused trouble and were felt by police to pose a continuing risk could also be prevented from leaving the UK or entering Portugal.
Ms Flint said the figure of 2,188 compared with only 100 for Euro 2000 in Belgium and Holland.
An Essex Police spokesman said anyone intent on causing trouble would be heading for an early bath. He added checks would be made on all air and sea ports in the county to make sure no trouble-makers were allowed to travel.
Those with banning orders have to hand their passports over to police by June 7, nearly a week before the first England game.
Chief Insp Tim Stokes, who is heading up the Essex operation, gave a message to hooligans: "If you are going to travel abroad with the intenton of causing trouble you will be turned back."
Published Thursday May 27, 2004
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