<
>

England fan club threaten to withdraw memberships after trouble in Germany

The England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) has written to members warning that anyone involved in anti-social, xenophobic or disrespectful behaviour in Germany will have their membership withdrawn.

Wednesday's 1-0 friendly defeat was tarnished somewhat by England fans' behaviour in the away end in Dortmund, where some booed the German national anthem and sung distasteful songs referencing the First and Second World Wars.

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke condemned the "inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing" behaviour -- a statement that was sent to ESTC members in an email on Friday, along with a warning of the sanctions awaiting guilty parties.

The message to ESTC members, seen by Press Association Sport, read: "Further to this statement, the England Supporters Travel Club membership want to stress that any member identified as being involved in anti-social, xenophobic or disrespectful behaviour will be banned from the membership with immediate effect.

"We are working closely with the UK Football Policing Unit to review all of their footage taken throughout the day and from the match to identify those supporters whose behaviour was unacceptable and we have also received many first-hand accounts.

"We have been encouraged by the feedback received from many of our members who were also appalled by the behaviour they witnessed at this match.

"This is particularly upsetting as together we have worked incredibly hard to improve the image of English supporters over recent years, however it is clear that there is more work to be done to ensure that we don't see a repeat of this behaviour at future matches."

Those sanctions were always in place as part of the ESTC, but the fact that it was outlined highlights how the issues on Wednesday are being treated.

"If anyone would like to share footage or photos that they have taken or been passed from the match which shows supporters engaging in anti-social or unacceptable behaviour then please send this to englandsupportersclub@thefa.com," the message continued. "Please be assured that any correspondence received will be treated in utmost confidence."

Those involved in anti-social behaviour not only face their ESTC membership being withdrawn but possibly being pursued by UK authorities for a Football Banning Order.

With the issues in Germany still fresh, Eric Dier called on fans to support England "in the right way" when they host Lithuania this weekend -- especially in the wake of the Westminster terrorist attack.

The FA is planning a number of tributes to the casualties, with black armbands, a minute's silence, a wreath-laying ceremony and the Wembley arch being coloured red and white throughout the game -- which will also be attended by a number of distinguished guests.