PUBS across Oxford are on World Cup standby against fans who may go on the rampage after crucial matches.

Football intelligence bosses have written to landlords about key fixtures and warning that trouble could erupt, especially in the final stages.

They are anxious to avoid a repeat of the 1990 World Cup, when fans across the Thames Valley area rioted after England's agonising penalties defeat against West Germany.

Violence also erupted when England lost again on penalties to their arch rivals in Euro 96.

In the letter, football intelligence officer Pc Paul Phillips warns: "Previous tournaments have resulted in disorder being caused throughout the country and Oxford is no exception. The quarter final stages and matches could pose problems.

"You are requested to advise the control room at Oxford as soon as possible during any matches if you have any troublesome supporters in your premises that require attention."

Police have asked pubs planning to show games on television to notify them before the tournament begins.

Pc Phillips added: "If, for example, there are 20 Italians and 40 Germans in a pub watching the two teams play each other we want to know about it so that we can respond accordingly, if a situation develops.

"We will make our officers aware of the fixtures and which pubs are using big screens. We stay in touch with licensees throughout the season and now we want them to keep us informed of their plans."

Martin Elliott, chairman of the Thames Valley Police joint branch board of the Police Federation, said a force-wide contingency plan was being drawn up to deal with "public order problems arising from the World Cup".

He said: "Our members have highlighted their concerns that during the 1990 tournament, when various teams were knocked out, there were pub fights in areas where certain ethnic groups were concentrated.

"We have drawn this to the attention of the Chief Constable Charles Pollard."

In 1990, 16 people were arrested in Oxford during violent scenes after England's defeat by West Germany.

Five police officers were hurt as youths rampaged in the city centre and Headington, and bottles were thrown at police in Witney, where 60 people ran riot in the Market Square after the July game.

Following the Euro 96 defeat, hooligans launched a vicious attack on a coach party of German students.

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