THE author of a book detailing violent scenes of football hooliganism is due to appear in court to fight a proposed order banning him from watching his sport.
A former member of a notorious Middlesbrough hooligan group, the Frontline, John Pulling, 46, of Staintondale Avenue, Redcar, is contesting Cleveland Police's petition to prevent him trav- elling to the European Championships in Portugal next month.
Yesterday, a trial date for the civil case was set for June 2, at Teesside Magistrates' Court, less than two weeks before the tournament kicks off in Porto on June 12.
If successful, the banning order could prevent Mr Pulling from watching Middlesbrough at the club's Riverside ground or any other town in the country for three years.
The police are also trying to ban Gary John Wheatley, 34, of Arthur Street, Redcar, from attending the tournament.
His civil trial date was set for June 3, at Teesside Magistrates' Court.
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