Soccer fans foil tight security
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/01/2012 (5331 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
BATA, Equatorial Guinea — Thousands of fans forced their way into the Bata Stadium complex for Saturday’s opening soccer match of the African Cup of Nations, prompting police to use tear gas.
Police tried to check fans’ tickets one by one at the main gate to the complex ahead of Equatorial Guinea’s match against Libya. But several times the crush proved too much and the gates were opened to allow scores of supporters through without being checked.
On at least one occasion, tear gas was used on the crowd.
The gate opens onto a road leading to the 37,500-capacity stadium proper. In theory, fans will still need a ticket to get inside.
As the crush threatened a potential disaster, Israeli security advisers ordered the gates opened.
Earlier, it appeared security forces had the situation in hand.
Police had set up roadblocks within a few kilometres in all directions and vehicles entering the stadium complex had to pass through a giant metal detector. Rifle-toting guards with body armour were frisking fans.
Inside the complex, a police canine patrol was at the ready, along with armoured vehicles with heavy-calibre gun turrets.
— The Associated Press
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