Four killed, 150 hurt in Vietnam soccer violence
HANOI - Four
people were killed and 150 injured
when street celebrations marking
Vietnam's win over Myanmar in a
regional soccer game turned ugly,
official media reported on Friday.
The Vietnam News daily said some
of the injured were involved in illegal
motorbike races in Ho Chi Minh City
on Tuesday night held to celebrate
Vietnam's victory in a preliminary
round of the Southeast Asian Games
in Brunei.
It said police were pelted with stones
when they tried to disperse crowds
that had gathered to watch the races,
a common sight in Vietnam's cities
when this soccer-crazed nation does
well in international football matches.
The races normally take place
around city lakes or parks.
Others who died or suffered injuries
were bystanders hit by motorbikes
or fans who were not involved in the
races, but who had traffic accidents
while taking part in the celebrations.
Numerous people were hospitalised,
many with head injuries, the daily
reported.
Officials were not available for
comment, and it was unclear if any
arrests were made. Police seized
151 motorbikes during the incidents,
the Vietnam News said.
There were no reported incidents in
the capital Hanoi.
Vietnam has done well in the
Southeast Asian games soccer
tournament so far and is expected to
make the semi-finals following wins
over Myanmar, Laos and a draw
with Thailand during the preliminary
round.
Reuters - August 06, 1999.
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