The police have been monitoring the activities of this group and identified several persons whose continued presence in this country could be a threat to public order and stability and could disrupt the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
These people have been observed at two matches trying to enter the stadiums without tickets. They have also behaved in a disorderly fashion on a number of occasions, roughing other fans up and generally causing trouble.
This morning's operation was led by the police's Crime Intelligence division, supported by the K9 unit, Public Order Policing unit of Johannesburg, detectives and officials of the Department of Home Affairs.
During the raid, 17 of the 165 fans present were identified as being persons whom the police consider to be undesirable as spectators at matches.
The group of 17 was handed over to the National Immigration Branch of the Department of Home Affairs which will deal with their deportation.
We are also aware of five other Argentineans fans, whose activities police were monitoring, who voluntarily left the country this morning.
They too belonged to the group of unruly fans who we believe could have disrupted the world cup matches.
Contact:
Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Source: South African Police Service
