Feyenoord distances itself from hooligans

The Hague, Netherlands:

Feyenoord warned French authorities that its fans who rioted at the UEFA Cup match against Nancy were traveling to France despite being banned from Dutch stadiums. "We did everything we could to prevent problems. We knew every supporter who bought a ticket via the club,'' Feyenoord director Otto Jacobs said on the club's Web site. Feyenoord hooligans fought and smashed windows in the town of Nancy before ripping out and throwing seats during Thursday night's match. Police used tear gas, forcing the referee to halt the match in the 80th minute because it was affecting the players. The players returned to the field some 20 minutes later and Nancy won 3-0. Five Dutch fans detained during the melee remained in French police custody in Nancy. Police said they were expected to appear before prosecutors later Friday. Feyenoord said it warned French authorities that known hooligans had bought tickets in Nancy because they were barred from buying official tickets through the Rotterdam club. Jacobs appealed to the Dutch government to introduce legislation that would force hooligans to report regularly to law enforcement authorities - a move designed to ensure they do not travel to matches. (AP)