Cricket fans face security clampdown

CRICKET WORLD CUP: BANGALORE, India, Feb 26 (AFP) - Around 3,000 police will ramp up security at India's high-profile World Cup clash against England on Sunday following the midweek violence when fans desperately scrambled for tickets.

"We are deploying about 3,000 policemen, including 700 traffic police in and around the stadium to ensure foolproof security for the match on Sunday," Bangalore police commissioner Shankar Bidari said on Friday.

Police baton-charged fans after thousands had queued overnight Wednesday outside the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in the vain hope of getting their hands on the ticket allocation of 7,000.

Estimates put the crowd figure at the ground at 30,000 and police were widely criticised for their heavy-handed response with pictures of officers wielding bamboo canes circulating quickly around the world. The panic for tickets was partially caused by the late decision to switch the match from Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

"Special security will be provided for hundreds of English fans expected to arrive in the city to watch the match," said Bidari.

"Keeping in view the global threat perception, we are taking all precautions, including intelligence gathering to prevent undesirable elements entering the stadium."

Appealing to fans to reach the stadium in time for the day-night match, Bidari said spectators would not be allowed to carry any items, including bags, cameras, laptops and water bottles into the stadium

"The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is making all arrangements, including a supply of drinking water at the stadium for fans. As it is a game of cricket, I appeal to all spectators to maintain discipline, order and peace to enjoy the match."Bidari added he regretted the clashes with fans on Thursday, but that police had to step in to control the crowd and restore order as the situation was becoming tense.

"It was unfortunate that police had to use force to control the situation," he said.