Ban angers soccer fans

SOCCER fans have been banned from waving flags and banging drums at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Stadium managers, Wembley International, agreed to the ban after pressure from police concerned for fans' safety.

'The police suggested that drums and flags should not be allowed because their use could arouse soccer fans' emotions,' said an Urban Council spokesman.

'Since the stadium can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators, police were particularly concerned about the safety of spectators.' The ban was widely condemned last night. Happy Valley Football Club chairman Martin Hong Po-kui said the decision was 'stupid and unreasonable' at a time when clubs were trying to increase the number of spectators. 'There will not be the same level of excitement and atmosphere,' he said.

The Urban Council is to liaise with the Hong Kong Football Association, which is also unhappy at the ban, to see if the police should review its decision.