"It's just worth pointing out that those, whether here or indeed in Portugal, that have engaged in disorder, they are a tiny minority of people," he said in response to a question in parliament.

"I don't believe they are true English football fans at all," Blair said. "They bring shame upon our country and shame upon the vast majority of decent English football fans who simply want to enjoy the games."

Portuguese police arrested 33 British nationals in the southern Algarve holiday region late Tuesday and early Wednesday following a second night of football-related violence.

The disorder took place in the resort town of Albufeira, which is being used as a base by many fans from various nations competing in Euro 2004.

There had been no trouble from England supporters after the team's first game, an agonising 2-1 loss to France on Sunday which saw the French score two last-gasp goals.

However this defeat did prompt outbreaks of violence in a series of British towns, which Blair also slammed.

"Let me make it absolutely clear, these are completely intolerable, and the police should come down very heavily ... and make sure that those who engage in this disorder face heavy penalties," he said.