News
07-06-2010
World Cup 2010: Stampede at Warmup Match
Clifford AGA - A stampede took place at the stadium where a warmup game between Nigeria and North Korea was to take place, injuring 14 people and one police officer seriously. The Makhulong Stadium in suburban Johannesburg, South Africa, with a seating capacity of just around 12,000, was hosting this FIFA World Cup 2010 friendly. This is the second stadium tragedy to hit before the mega event, the previous one was at Ivory Coast during a world cup qualifying match. That incident claimed the lives of 22 people and resulted in FIFA fining Ivory Coast a little less than $50,000.
The current tragedy took place when fans were supposedly given free tickets for the Nigeria - North Korea warmup game. There was a large crowd outside the stadium wanting to see the game, and once the free tickets were announced and the gates were opened, there was a mad rush which resulted in a stampede. Lt. Col. Eugene Opperman, police spokesman said, "At this moment we have 14 civilians that were slightly injured in the process, and one policeman seriously injured. Tickets for the game were given out for free outside the stadium. What then occurred was large groups of people gathered outside the gates wanting to come in and wanting to get free tickets. Unfortunately in the process, the gates were opened and there was a stampede." Col. Hangwani Mulaudzi, another police spokesman said, "I think the fans were excited to come and see their heroes who will be participating in the World Cup. Because this was an exhibition game, the Nigerian team - the designated host - was responsible for security, not World Cup organizers. Once trouble broke out, police stepped in."
FIFA, however, distanced itself from the incident. In a statement they said, "FIFA and the OC (local organizing committee) would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organization of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for which we remain fully confident. Nevertheless, FIFA has assured that they will be keeping a tight watch on all the venues and the day-to-day organizing that is taking place for the big event.
