Fans pepper-sprayed
MELBOURNE: A group of rowdy fans were pepper-sprayed by police at the Australian Open on Tuesday as ugly scenes blighted the tournament for a second year.
The incident occurred during a match on the Margaret Court Arena between Chile's Fernando Gonzalez and Greek player Konstantinos Economidis, which had to be stopped for more than five minutes.
Police said they received complaints after fans started offensive chants. The main instigators were identified and were warned, but the chanting continued and police again approached those involved.
"As police tried to remove one man others in the crowd became aggressive and threatening towards them," Victoria state police said in a statement.
"Fearing for their safety the members have deployed spray to keep aggressive patrons at bay."
Three men were ejected and interviewed for assaulting police, failing to obey lawful direction and indecent language.
AFP
(China Daily 01/16/2008 page24)
