10 June,2010 03:38 PM IST | | Agencies
Local football fans need to take responsibility for their behaviour and make sure the Football World Cup in South Afria was a safe one, a government official has said.
Government Spokesman Themba Maseko said that after the stampede at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa for a warm-up match between Nigeria and North Korea on Sunday, fans needed to take responsibility for their behaviour and make sure the World Cup was a safe one.
Fourteen fans and two police officers were injured during a friendly match when fans arrived with free tickets and pushed against the gates to gain entrance to the stadium.
"Fans are urged to behave in a way that does not result in injury or harm to those attending tournaments or participating in activities at public viewing areas," Maseko said, while urging all South Africans to treat international visitors with the "best hospitality they had ever seen".
Unruly behaviour that posed a danger to those attending matches would not be tolerated, Maseko said.
"All football fans have a responsibility to ensure a safe and secure World Cup tournament for everyone. We urge fans to desist from accessing stadiums without tickets. Those found in possession of illegal tickets will be prosecuted," he added.
