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 beloved sport.
A former member of the notorious Middlesbrough hooligan group the Frontline, John Pulling, 46, of Staintondale Avenue, Redcar, is contesting Cleveland Police's petition to prevent him travelling to the European championships in Portugal next month.
Today a trial date for the civil case was set for June 2 at Teesside Magistrates' Court, just days before the tournament is due to kick off in Porto on June 12.
If successful the banning order could prevent Pulling from watching Middlesbrough at the Riverside 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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