Online football abuse could be prosecuted

[Chicog]

Football fans warned over online abuse

Football supporters are being warned that abuse of players or fellow fans on online social media is being targeted this season by police and prosecutors.

New guidelines for tackling hooligans in England and Wales also for the first time address homophobic chanting.

Match-related incidents have been falling but there will continue to be a "robust prosecution policy".

Police say troublemakers given banning orders would find they are unable to attend the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

The orders prevent supporters from travelling to matches for a minimum of three years and any imposed this season would therefore also affect supporters hoping to attend Euro 2016 in France, the CPS and Association of Chief Police Officers added in a statement setting out the policy guidance.

The joint policy outlines the way violence, disorder, criminal damage and abuse in and around football matches will be approached.

Read More : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23796712

-- BBC 2013-08-23