News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Pitch invaders will be punished

Pitch invaders will be punished

Last updated on: June 14, 2006 22:54 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Ruling body FIFA is discussing how it can stop people running on the pitch during World Cup matches and will ensure violators are punished.

A pitch invader kisses the boots of Croatian striker Dado Prso"We will do everything to prevent this sort of thing and to punish people who do it," German local organising committee spokesman Gerd Graus told reporters on Wednesday.

A Croatian fan surprised security forces during Tuesday's game against champions Brazil by leaping over the two-metre wide moat that surrounds the field at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and running on the pitch.

He was led off by a Croatian player without incident and handed over to police.

More than 100 stewards are in the stadium to prevent fans getting on the pitch and Graus said FIFA is discussing ways to position them better.

"Berlin is the toughest stadium for fans to get on to the field so this surprised us," said Graus. "You have to be incredibly athletic to jump on to the pitch like this guy did."

A spokesman at the Berlin prosecutor's office said the man, who is in custody on Wednesday, faced a fine.

FIFA could also pursue separate charges against the man for trespassing. In April, a court in the northern port city of Rostock upheld a fine of 10,000 euros ($12,580) for damages against a streaker who ran on the field at a Hansa Rostock match in 2003.

At the Confederations Cup in Germany last year, four streakers evaded stadium security and ran on the pitch.

Nine of the 12 World Cup venues have barriers to deter streakers and other fans getting on the field.

 

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

New Zealand's tour of India 2024

New Zealand's Tour Of India, 2024