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Tuesday, 11 June, 2002, 09:53 GMT 10:53 UK

Japan turns off big screens

Several Japanese cities have scrapped plans to show Friday's final group game between the co-hosts and Tunisia on giant screens in case boisterous fans go on the rampage.

Screens will be switched off at stadiums - including Hiroshima and Saitama - after the rowdy celebrations which followed Japan's victory against Russia on Sunday.

"We had to make that decision because we thought it very difficult to ensure the safety of all soccer fans gathered at the stadium," a Saitama city official said on Tuesday.

Around 200 fans forced their way on to the pitch in Saitama during the 1-0 win, with some setting off firecrackers.

Similar incidents were reported in Hiroshima and several other places in Japan, who need a draw against Tunisia in Osaka to make sure of qualifying for the second round.

The city authorities said they would keep the giant screens turned off even if Japan do progress to the last 16.


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