<p><br /> With the opening match of the soccer World Cup fast approaching, police are out in force at London's Heathrow airport this week - checking passports as part of an effort to stop known troublemakers from making the trip to South Africa.<br /> </p><p><br /> On the whole, passengers were not upset by the intrusion: One fan said: "I think it's absolutely fine, absolutely fine. If you've got nothing to hide it's not a problem. If we can keep our image, you know, intact for this tournament, I think it's fantastic."<br /> </p><p><br /> Police have already made a couple of arrests. "We've stopped several hundred people. Very busy day yesterday and it will start getting busy now. Yesterday two were detained who had a history of violence. They've both gone to court and they will both now be subject to banning orders," said Commander Bob Broadhurst.<br /> </p><p><br /> The opening match of the tournament between hosts South Africa and Mexico takes place in Johannesburg on Friday.<br /> </p>
