BERLIN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Police in the German city of Hanover have banned 51 notorious hooligans from Lower Saxony state from attending World Cup matches and entering the city center.

    Assistant chief of police Uwe Luehrig was quoted Tuesday by local newspaper Hannoversche Allgemaine Zeitung as saying that the ban has been effective and encompasses a two-kilometer stretch from the main station through the city center.

    "I assume that other World Cup host cities will act in a similar manner," he said.

    Hooligans found in breach of the order will face a fine or could be held for up to nine days.

    Police also have established 237 steel cages in garages of police stations to hold potential wrong-doers during the June 9 to July 9 World Cup. Enditem