Hong Kong alcohol ban

Hong Kong, fearing English football hooligans may follow their team to the British colony, has banned alcohol at Sunday's match against a local side and hired hundreds of extra security guards, including soldiers.

It seems to be an extreme measure as only about 200 fans - vetted and accredited by the Football Association - will be seated in a special area.

The alcohol ban is the first ever imposed at the Hong Kong stadium, site of the popular annual rugby union sevens tournament at which alcohol is considered by many fans an integral part of the entertainment.

Yet the Hong Kong organisers are leaving nothing to chance and fans will be subjected to random searches as they enter the stadium. "We will not allow anybody to drink alcohol or beer at the stadium,"Miranda Yu, deputy chief executive officer at the Hong Kong FA, said.