Hooligan fear brings beer ban for England game

Alcohol will be banned at the match between England and a Golden Selection XI as organisers try to minimise the threat of football hooliganism at the Hong Kong Stadium.

It is the first time alcohol has been banned at an event at the national stadium since the old arena was opened in 1955.

Wembley International (Hong Kong) Ltd confirmed yesterday that no alcohol would be sold at any of their concessionary counters, or allowed past the stadium turnstiles at the May 26 game.

While alcohol flowed freely at the recent Rugby Sevens and the San Miguel FA Cup, organisers and the police decided it was in the best interests of the England game to impose the drink ban.

'There will be no alcohol inside the stadium for this match. The only alcohol which can be drunk will be served in the VIP hospitality areas,' said Wembley press officer Julia Lau Kwok-sheung.

'We don't know for sure whether any hooligans will be travelling to Hong Kong, but we are taking precautions.' Spectators entering the stadium will be searched for alcohol, with stewards instructed to confiscate any found.