The Dutch government has banned British conspiracy theorist David Icke from the Netherlands and the entire Schengen area of ??the European Union for two years over fears that his presence could “disrupt public order”.

Icke claimed he had been banned by the “fascist Dutch regime” and published on his website a letter sent to him by the Dutch immigration authorities on Thursday on behalf of Secretary of State for Justice and Security Eric van der Burg.

Icke is a former professional footballer and TV presenter who has argued that the world is ruled by reptiles, a theory recently put forward by Dutch populist MP Thierry Baudet.

Icke was scheduled to speak against the Ukraine war, the Dutch government and energy prices at a demonstration in Amsterdam on Sunday.

Amsterdam officials fear clashes will break out, even if Icke only comes by via video link.

“With this letter, I am informing you that from now on you will be marked in the Schengen Information System for two years and will not be allowed to enter the Schengen area,” the letter said.

“You have been known internationally for years as a propagator of conspiracy theories,” it said.

The presence of Icke, who has made “anti-Semitic and offensive statements in the past”, could lead to unrest in the Netherlands at a time when violence and threats against politicians are increasing, the Dutch government said.

Dutch authorities say it is the second time they are taking such action after the 2019 ban on Steven Anderson, an American preacher who believes gays should be executed.