FOOTBALL fans in the region are demanding fair representation after a Home Office report suggested tackling hooliganism by breaking-up the England football supporters' club.

The Home Office report claims some people in the England Members' Club are "determined to display offensive and distorted perceptions of patriotism", and suggests it should be reformed with a more diverse membership.

The report aims to encourage more women, families and ethnic minorities to attend football matches, by diverting tickets for England matches away from young, white males, who are traditionally involved in football violence.

There are also proposals to implement stricter laws against racist and sexist remarks made at matches to promote a friendlier atmosphere.

North-East members of the England Supporters' Club have reacted angrily to the implication that they are all trouble-makers.

One England and Newcastle United fan, who did not wish to be named, said: "Not all football fans are thugs - it is a very small minority who give us all a bad name.

"Why should the members' club be blamed when all the members are vetoed before they can join anyway?"

A spokesman for the members' club said plans were already in progress to relaunch the club next year.

He said: "Everyone who joins the new club will have to be vetoed by the National Criminal Intelligence Service, even if they are already a member.

"We are trying to get away from the idea that links supporting England with violence. It is not true, and we hope to show this with the new club."