AVON and Somerset Police are kicking off their operation ahead of the start of the Euro 2016 tournament in France next month.

Over 100 individuals  who have football banning orders in the force area, have been issued with letters reminding them they are required to hand in their passports before the deadline dates of May 31 and June 1.

Anyone failing to return their passport by June 1 – unless they have applied for an exemption – will receive a visit from officers, and a further failure to comply could result in re-arrest.

Those subject to an FBO are not allowed to travel to England matches in this country or even travel overseas when England are playing abroad, and after surrendering their passports, will be able to collect them at the conclusion of England’s involvement in the tournament in France.

Officers are keen to stress that football banning orders are not issued purely as a result of incidents committed at football matches. They can also be provided as a result of other types of football-related disorder.

For instance, anyone going to watch a match on a television at a public showing, such as a public house, who becomes embroiled in any form of anti-social or violent behaviour, could find themselves with a FBO.

Throughout the football competition, Avon and Somerset Police have said their operation will take a zero-tolerance approach to any forms of football-related issue, and will be providing high profile reassurance patrols to ensure any potential problems are dealt with robustly.

This includes anti-social behaviour and violence, domestic abuse and drink driving, which can be linked to the football tournament. The force has said that offenders will be arrested, with football banning orders being sought from the courts.

Chief inspector Oliver Cosgrove, silver commander for the Euro 2016 policing operation said: “We are rolling out well-rehearsed plans for the tournament which takes place in France.

“We hope that it will be a successful and enjoyable tournament for fans, who will put fun and enjoyment at the top of their agenda. 

“However we will not tolerate and football-related anti-social behaviour or violence in Avon and Somerset, whether out in the community or behind closed doors at home and will deal robustly with such problems. 

“We have demonstrated during two largescale football disorder incidents during the past 36 months that we have a zero tolerance approach to football disorder and hooliganism in Avon and Somerset and will deal with perpetrators.

“More than 100 people in the force area now have football banning orders as a result of football-related incidents which are actively stopping them from enjoying their football and also places restrictions on them travelling abroad.”