A BIG police operation is planned to deal with football hooligans heading for the region this weekend.

Officers from across Cleveland, backed up by officers on horseback from Northumbria Police, are being drafted in for Saturday's showdown between Hartlepool United and Cardiff City, at Pool's Victoria Park.

Some Cardiff fans have a reputation for causing trouble and although only 740 away tickets were allocated, it has been suggested as many as 3,500 people could travel for the game.

But it is hoped that, because Cardiff are already guaranteed promotion to the Second Division, some fans may not make the journey. Ticketless Welsh fans are being encouraged to stay at home.

Cleveland Police Superintendent Steve Sudden, in charge of policing at the match, said: "There is no doubt that there is a strong hooligan element among the Cardiff supporters, and a small minority of the local supporters have shown a willingness to get involved.

"We have got police officers from all areas of the force. We are expecting a busy day, but we are hoping that it will be busy because of the celebratory atmosphere, rather than anything else.

"I am confident we will be more than capable of dealing with any disorder that does occur. There will be more officers on duty that day than there probably ever has been, in football terms."

Information from police forces around the country has allowed Hartlepool officers to build up a picture of some known trouble-makers, who will be arrested if spotted.

Fans who arrive drunk also risk arrest.