News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » South Africa to clamp down on illegal tickets

South Africa to clamp down on illegal tickets

Last updated on: June 09, 2010 14:46 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

South Africa's government has issued a stern warning over unruly behaviour during the World Cup and promised a clampdown on illegal ticket sales.

A stampede by fans during a warm-up match between Nigeria and North Korea on Sunday left 15 people injured.

"The government will not tolerate any unruly, disruptive and unsafe behaviour that impacts negatively on those attending public events," government spokesman Themba Maseko said in a statement on Wednesday.

Maseko urged fans not to enter stadiums during the World Cup without valid tickets.

"Those found in possession of illegal tickets will be prosecuted," he said.

The South African government has taken pains to assure foreign visitors that they will be safe during the month-long tournament, which starts on Friday.

Security has been one of the biggest issues ahead of the World Cup because of South Africa's high rate of violent crime - with 50 murders a day, almost the same rate as the United States which has six times the population.

The country's crime rate is among factors blamed for lower-than-expected foreign bookings to attend the World Cup.

The government and local organisers have insisted fans will be protected by a $174 million security plan including more than 40,000 specially deployed police.

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.

India In Australia 2024-2025