Crime spree denies W. Cup viewing

Tue, 02 Jul 2002 | Source: AFP

PHNOM PENH: Thousands of Cambodians were denied access to the World Cup final after authorities pulled the plug on a public screening of the football extravaganza due to fears of a crime wave, officials said Monday.

More than 3,000 people had gathered in Phnom Penh's central park for a two-day festival dominated by concerts and the arts with a giant screen to provide access for the World Cup final between Brazil and Germany receiving top billing.

However, the screening was halted just prior to kick-off with authorities fearing gamblers and pick-pocketers would line-up for the game and spoil the family oriented atmosphere. --AFP

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