SIXTY football fans from the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area have been banned from travelling to Russia ahead of the World Cup, as police launch an operation to manage the tournament at home and abroad.

The fans affected by the ruling have previously been issued with football banning orders (FBOs), and are now required to hand in their passports by June 5.

Those who do not hand in their passport will face arrest.

FBOs are given as a result of football-related disorder offences, which may or may not have occurred at football matches.

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

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: “Those who surrender their passports will be able to collect them at the conclusion of England’s involvement in the competition in Russia.

"Throughout the football competition we 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.

"Offenders will be arrested and we will seek football banning orders from the courts."

Chief Inspector John Holt said: “We are rolling out well-rehearsed plans for the World Cup. 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, whether out in the community or behind closed doors at home and will deal robustly with such problems.”