Town centre bars have been choosing not to show the first of England's World Cup qualifying matches in a bid to avoid a repeat of the violence during Euro 2004.

Only eight bars in Croydon showed England's World Cup clash against Austria on Saturday with 20 of the 34 town centre bars choosing not to.

The Guardian reported last month that Croydon Pubwatch, the group that liaises with pub managers and the police, was considering suggesting that the pubs in the town did not televise England's World Cup qualifying matches.

It was also thinking of extending the ban to live coverage of Crystal Palace's Premiership matches after football fans went on the rampage, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage after England's defeats against France and Portugal during Euro 2004.

Croydon police, who had extra officers on standby for the England match on Saturday, said there was no trouble after the match and no arrests for violent disorder.

The Walkabout pub, in Crown Hill, did screen the game but a spokesman for the pub said safety measures were adopted to avoid any trouble.

She said: "As a standard procedure when major sports games are shown, the venue adopts a high level of safety measures.

"These include no drinks promotions, a four drink limits per purchase, serving drinks in plastic glasses, no shots, shooters or cocktails, and there are always soft drinks available.

"The venue also uses additional security staff and has CCTV cameras."

As an extra precaution Walkabout also limited the number of drinkers and closed the bar between 5pm and 6pm to clear the pub.

l A 21-year-old appeared before magistrates on Friday charged with violent disorder in the town centre following England's defeat against France in Euro 2004 in June.

Mark Winiarski, 21, of Trefol Farm, Nantel, Rhayader, Dyfed Powys, Wales, formerly of Portland Road, Croydon, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court last Friday.

He is due to appear again before magistrates for a committal hearing on October 1.