A HARD core of North-East football hooligans have been banned from travelling abroad for England's world cup crunch match with Germany.

Police have identified 15 potential troublemakers in the region who have been barred from leaving the country.

Ron Hogg, assistant chief constable with Durham Police, is leading the intelligence team of English officers who will liaise with their German colleagues to ensure the match in Munich, considered to be "high risk", is a peaceful affair.

Nationally, 537 soccer hooligans have been banned from travelling to the game.