Tight security at Loftus
2007-07-24 15:58
Pretoria - Drunk soccer fans would not be allowed into the stadium for the Vodacom Soccer Challenge at Loftus Versveld on Saturday, police warned on Tuesday.
In a range of security measures announced for the final, police said drunken spectators would not be allowed into the stadium on Saturday for the game between English side Tottenham Hotspur and either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs.
"It's in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others," police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Vishnu Naidoo said.
As part of the security arrangements there would be no ticket sales at the stadium.
"Spectators should purchase tickets from registered outlets only as there is potential for counterfeit tickets to be sold to unsuspecting persons," he said.
Several roads around Loftus would be closed to traffic from 06:00 on Saturday morning and police urged soccer lovers to use the park and ride options from Pilditch Stadium, the Pretoria Rugby Club and End Street.
Trains would run every hour on match day to Loftus and to accommodate the large volume of spectators returning home, Metro Rail would also be making special provision for its commuters after the match.
"Firearms, ammunition, dangerous or sharp and pointed metal objects which are considered dangerous as well as alcohol and bottled beverages will not be allowed in the stadium," Naidoo said.
He added that police would maintain a high visibility doing both foot and vehicle patrols.
On Thursday Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will play each other in Port Elizabeth and the winning team will then face the English Premier League team on Saturday.
- SAPA