The organisers of the world swimming championships in Australia have arranged tight security measures for Tuesday's mens water-polo match between Croatia and Yugoslavia.

Ethnic flags have been banned from the poolside following fighting between supporters of the Yugoslav and Croat water polo teams.

Over the weekend Croatian supporters stayed on after their match against Hungary to watch the Yugoslav team.

Police caught between the two sides

Exchanges of verbal abuse for their rivals degenerated into fist fights. One supporter was thrown out.

The head of the championships' organising committee, Tom Hoad, said the incident was not wasn't serious.

But he said they would not be taking any chances and would be ready to intervene if there was any hint of further trouble.

The Yugoslavs and Croats will be playing each other in the semi-finals.

There is a history of violence between Croatian and Yugoslav sporting fans in Australia, particularly in Sydney.

The large ethnic communities from both nations in the city have their own rival football teams in the local leagues.

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