Oxford United have got enough problems on the pitch without so-called fans like the ones featured on our front page today making matters worse.

When they were in a fight with Chester City supporters, they probably did so in the misguided belief that they were being loyal to their club.

Or perhaps, like many soccer hooligans, they are in it simply for the acts of violence - caring little for the football itself.

Either way, all they have managed to achieve is to bring shame on Oxford United, and on themselves and their families into the bargain.

Worst of all, they terrorised innocent shoppers in Chester, who had come into town to do a bit of pre-Christmas shopping.

The banning orders handed out at Chester Crown Court should hopefully make these supporters see the error of their ways and keep them out of trouble for the next three years.

It is not clear why the fans' passports were not seized, but the decision not to make the ban international was surely a missed opportunity.

Some of these men could be tempted to travel to this summer's World Cup in Germany, and while they still have their passports, it will be difficult to stop them.

Oxford-based 'spotters' Huw James and Simon Feist have done an excellent job liaising with officers in Chester to bring the case to court.

They will now have their work cut out as they try to ensure that Oxford fans with banning orders do not travel to the World Cup.

There is nothing to suggest that these fans have decided to travel to Germany, or that they will cause trouble if they succeed in getting into the games, but detectives have warned them that their movements will be closely monitored.

We despise this kind of behaviour by so-called fans who shame the name of our great national game.

But we're delighted that these banning orders will send a clear message to others like them that acts of hooliganism will not be tolerated.