The Football Supporters' Association has launched a campaign to clear the names of innocent England fans arrested by Belgian police during Euro 2000.

The association wants to ensure that supporters who did not commit any offence do not appear on lists of "known hooligans'' and become subject to future banning orders.

Almost 1,000 British fans were arrested in Belgium and hundreds deported, but to date only one man has appeared in court. Only one of those arrested was the subject of any kind of banning order. A further 15, although unconvicted, were known to police for their involvement in football-related incidents.

The association's spokesperson for Euro 2000, Kevin Miles, from Newcastle, said: "Senior Belgian police officers have admitted that they knowingly arrested hundreds of England fans who had done absolutely nothing wrong.

"Many were deported and we intend to do whatever we can to seek redress and compensation for them.

"All those arrested have already had their Euro 2000 experience spoilt. We intend to ensure that they do not, by their inclusion on lists of 'hooligans', have their potential enjoyment of future international tournaments ruined too.

"We believe that badly-targeted measures like these, which have a negative impact on genuine fans, undermine vital efforts to isolate and marginalise the real hooligans."

A special helpline has been set up by the association and it is urging any supporter wrongly arrested and deported from Belgium or just wrongly arrested during the tournament to get in contact.

The Football Supporters' Association helpline number is 020 8541 3399 and the e-mail address is fsaeuro2000athotmail.com

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