Are You a “Known Hooligan”? Expect to be Turned Away from Austria

June 2nd, 2008 | by: Laurie | Comments(2)

Bad news for “known hooligans.” If you’re trying to go to a game in Austria, expect to be turned back at the border.

Authorities began checking vehicles for suspected football hooligans Monday with Austria tightening security on its borders ahead of the European Championship.

Interior Minister Guenther Platter said the checks at Austria’s borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia would last throughout the tournament, which begins Saturday and runs through June 29.

Austria officially dismantled its border posts to facilitate passport-free travel as part of the European Union’s Schengen zone. But the agreement lets countries temporarily re-impose border checks on grounds of national security. …

Austrian authorities said border police had a list of known hooligans and were working to intercept those who try to enter the alpine country.

If you’re an unknown hooligan, though? You’re good to go.