English FA pledges to tackle hooliganism ahead of hearing

THE English FA have pledged to take a range of hard-hitting measures to stop the hooligan problems that have often blighted England on their travels from being transferred to home matches.

The FA face a UEFA hearing today into the ugly scenes at the Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Sunderland, which could result in their next group game against Slovakia in June being played behind closed doors.

Although England captain David Beckham has admitted this step may reluctantly have to be taken to eradicate the problem, the FA insist it would be an over-reaction.