An England supporter claims he was handcuffed, beaten and deported - for singing football songs.

John Crangle from Grangetown, Sunderland, was arrested in the Algarve resort of Albufeira where he and a friend had been enjoying the Euro 2004 championships.

But, the 27-year-old, who arrived back home yesterday, said he and at least 11 other English supporters were threatened and hit by police who then told them to either leave the country - or face court action.

Mr Crangle had flown out last Thursday in order to watch England's match with Switzerland but, after arriving late, he and a friend decided to head to Albufeira.

He said: "The atmosphere was terrific and everyone was really enjoying themselves, there was a real mixture of fans.

"On Friday, we went out again and the main resort strip was just overrun with English fans. The police were everywhere.

"We had been standing on a wall singing songs when they charged and pulled us down.

"There was about 11 English fans and two Swedes and we were all kept in one room from midnight to 6am the next day.

"I knew I'd done nothing wrong but there were a couple of lads in there - one only about 16 - who were obviously really frightened."

Before being released the following morning, Mr Crangle said he was interviewed by police, who left him with no option but to sign a document agreeing to leave Portugal.

He said: "It was all in Portuguese and I didn't understand any of it.

"But, they kept saying I could either sign it or go before the courts - I was so tired that I just ended up signing the thing so I could get out."

Mr Crangle, who says he has never been in trouble with the police before, has been told he will contacted and advised whether or not he has received an official caution.