Posted on 05/17/2004 7:28:24 PM PDT by NYC GOP Chick
BERLIN (Reuters) - Players from a visiting soccer team were forced to seek refuge in the changing rooms after home supporters brandishing guns attacked them in a dispute over a refereeing decision, Bremen police said on Monday.
At least 30 angry home fans stormed onto the pitch to attack the visiting players and a 21-year-old man had to be taken to hospital after he was beaten around the head with a corner flag, police in the northern German port city said.
Two of the attackers threatened the players with firearms, they added.
The assailants face charges of harassment, assault and violations of gun law.
The ONLY thing I liked about covering soccer was that it is played against the clock and usually didn't screw me over w.r.t. deadlines, as baseball and softball often did.
Yeesh!
Funny how the "sport of choice" speaks volumes about the cultures. On one hand, we have the U.S...where we play hard-hitting games for keeps; and we celebrate those who are the strongest and fastest. And then there's Europe; whose citizens actually get riled up about a game where sickly-looking men MINCE around in geeky-looking outfits.
And we wonder why we have no support in war.
At 5-10 and 140 lbs, what I liked about soccer is that I was average height and weight for the world sport. I could sprint with the sprinters for two strides, but soccer is a game of two strides. And no, I always hated it when the referee allowed a game to be decided by a late penalty kick. Better to Play On! (oh, that was many years and many lbs ago.) American Football will always be king here, but soccer is a great sport in its own right, and the US will become competitive oneday.
Sounds like a typical Philadelphia Eagles crowd.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.