Supporters of Championship clubs Leeds United and Huddersfield Town have been forced to hand in their passports to the police, ahead of England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland this weekend, according to the YEP.

Leeds fans have had to hand in their passports

The news comes as authorities step up their efforts to try and stop potential troublemakers attending football matches, both in England and abroad, by handing out football banning orders.

A total of 64 Leeds fans have been ordered to hand in their passports, as well as having to report to a local police station between 10am and 1pm on the day of the match. Any supporter who fails to do so may face arrest and a possible jail sentence.

In addition to the Leeds supporters, a variety of Yorkshire clubs have seen dozens of their fans hit with bans - including Huddersfield Town, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Football Intelligence Officer PC Paul Barclay said: “Football Banning Orders are a vital tool in reducing crime and disorder around fixtures by allowing us prevent those previously involved in causing disorder from attending matches.”

What is a football banning order?

"Banning orders are issued by the courts following a conviction for a football-related offence, or after a complaint by the Crown Prosecution Service or a local police force.

"For an order to be issued, it must be proved that the accused person has caused or contributed to football-related violence or disorder and that an order will prevent them from misbehaving further.

"Orders can last between three and 10 years and can be customised to address individual behaviour patterns. Breach of an order is a criminal offence and is punishable by a maximum sentence of six months in prison."

Do you think it is fair that supporters have been banned from travelling to watch England play? Should they be punished for disrupting matches? Let us know what you think in the comments!