Strict rules in force for fans at test event
Streaking, excessive drinking and banner-waving are on the list of don'ts for spectators at this year's first Olympics testing event, police in Shenyang warned yesterday.
The four-nation International Women's Soccer Tournament, the opening event in a series of trial runs for the 2008 Beijing Games, is under way in the northeast city and in Qinghuangdao, which will be host venues for the Olympic soccer tournament.
Shenyang police imposed meticulous regulations, which the more than 5,000 uniformed policemen and women patrolling inside and outside the new Shenyang Olympics Stadium, were expected to enforce.
'Drunken misbehaviour will lead to serious punishment by law enforcement,' read a harsh statement issued by the city police ahead of yesterday's two matches.
Homemade banners and signs, both normal features at a game, were also banned with flags limited to two square metres in size.
The Shenyang police delivered a clear message that streakers had better not strut their stuff either.
'Streaking is prohibited ... any such attempts will result in serious legal consequences for the offender,' the statement said.
Spectators were also ordered not to bring in bottled drinks, musical instruments or fireworks. Umbrellas and thermos flasks were blacklisted as well as obvious banned items like guns and knifes.
