PIPE OF PEACE FOR SOCCER'S HOOLIGANS

Dutch authorities have revealed the secret behind the successful security
operation for England's opening Euro 2000 soccer match against Portugal: a
combination of a quiet word, happy music and cannabis.

Despite the fallout between England fans and players following the 3-2
defeat, there were no reports of any trouble outside the ground. Only
five fans were arrested during the game, all for minor offences, and
not a single fan was arrested after the match.

England's disappointment on the field has been offset by temporary joy
off it following one of the most peaceful matches involving its fans
for more than a decade, winning them rare praise from police.

Eindhoven police spokesman Johann Beelan yesterday revealed the
tactics that helped ensure peace in the city. He said police officers
had toured the city with a list of names and photographs of known
hooligans whom British authorities could not prevent from travelling
to the Netherlands. The officers simply had a quiet word with them.

About 100 known hooligans arrived in Eindhoven for the
match.

"We told them that we were watching them and that we know who they
are," Mr Beelan said. "We warned them they would be arrested and that
they were being singled out for special attention.

"They were monitored throughout the day and even the hooligans told us
that they would not create any trouble. They are probably saving
themselves for this Saturday's match against Germany."

Police also claimed that the availability of cannabis in the
Netherlands probably helped to defuse any violence. Scores of
ticketless England fans gathered in coffee shops in Eindhoven, where
cannabis is sold and smoked, to watch the game, greeting the defeat
with mild disappointment and, unusually, gentle applause. "It
(cannabis) may have helped relax them," Mr Beelan said. "Even the
hooligans enjoyed the party."