Dismay over protest march on World Cup final day
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-26 16:42 BERLIN, May 25 - An
anti-soccer demonstration on July 9 could pose security problems in the German
capital on the day of the World Cup final, according to a police union leader.
Konrad Freiberg said the march through the centre of Berlin on the afternoon
and evening of July 9, which is expected to attract 20,000 demonstrators, could
stretch police resources. The Berlin final is an evening kickoff.
"The police are not capable of making secure such a large event during the
World Cup," Freiberg said.
The demonstration was approved five years ago. Organiser Manfred Wuehr said
it would draw attention to the needs of young people and campaign against the
commercialisation of soccer.
"The authorities were asleep at the switch five years ago and did not take me
seriously for years," Wuehr said.
He said authorities were trying hard to persuade him to accept another date,
a plan he has rejected.
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