ArCa.....let's see, when England play Germany we hear themes from World War 2 movies throughout the game and Nazi salutes from the England fans during the playing of (bizarrly) both National Anthems, when England play France the tabloid press fell free to issue "frog free editions" and reams of abusive tripe bout the opposition. Against the Republic of Ireland, when not trying to tear their stadium apart, the old refrain "no Surrender to the I.R.A." despite the fact that much of that organisation is based in Northern Ireland !. Abuse of the Spanish - long before last night - when the "Daego" word is used with fre abandon. The Scots and Welsh must have enough stories to fill a book. Ask any Turkish shop owner how they were treated following Istanbul last year. Ask the German tourists or owners of German cars attacked throughout Englandafter the Euro96 defeat in Wembley. Not to mention the fear that stalks every European capital when they are next slated for a visit.

For goodness sake, stop trying to hide behind this "look at them, they're worse that us at it" routine. England have continually gotten away with wrecking event after event for decades now - only for the action, of late, by the UK authorities in preventing thousands of thugs travelling by with-holding their passports has some normality prevailed. Don't dream that it is finished. Spain may well be fined and good enough for that, but don't come the white angel with us that Engand fans are somehow now Europes best behaved fans.