With the opening match of the soccer World Cup fast approaching, police are out in force at London's Heathrow airport this week - checking passports as part of an effort to stop known troublemakers from making the trip to South Africa.
On the whole, passengers were not upset by the intrusion: One fan said: "I think it's absolutely fine, absolutely fine. If you've got nothing to hide it's not a problem. If we can keep our image, you know, intact for this tournament, I think it's fantastic."
Police have already made a couple of arrests. "We've stopped several hundred people. Very busy day yesterday and it will start getting busy now. Yesterday two were detained who had a history of violence. They've both gone to court and they will both now be subject to banning orders," said Commander Bob Broadhurst.
The opening match of the tournament between hosts South Africa and Mexico takes place in Johannesburg on Friday.
