Cambodian fans go on rampage

PHNOM PENH: About 200 Cambodian football fans rioted after their youth team failed to score in the second half of an Asean championship match, smashing cars and throwing bottles, officials said yesterday.

The riot broke out late Saturday at the stadium in Phnom Penh, but ended quickly after police fired a warning shot into the air, said Sao Sokha, president of the Football Federation of Cambodia.

While Cambodia beat Brunei 2-0, local fans got angry when their players were shut out in the second half, said Sao Sokha.

“Fans accused Cambodian players of not trying hard enough in the second half,” he said, adding no one was either arrested or injured.

Cambodia are hosting the Asean Football Federation's (AFF) Under-17 championship featuring teams from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. – AFP