News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 13 die in soccer riot in Congo

Published: Sep 16, 2008 12:30 AM
Modified: Sep 16, 2008 04:06 AM

13 die in soccer riot in Congo

 

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Accusations that a soccer player was using witchcraft during a match in eastern Congo sparked a riot that killed 13 people, a U.N.-funded radio station reported Monday.

Most of the victims were between ages 11 and 16, Radio Okapi said. They were suffocated as panicked crowds ran for the exits during the mayhem Sunday in Butembo in eastern Congo's North Kivu province.

Radio Okapi said police tried to control the violence at Matokeo stadium in Kinshasa by firing into the air to protect their commander, who was hit in the head and wounded by fans.

The two local clubs involved were Socozaki and Nyuki System, the radio said.

Regional governor Julien Mpaluku said the government was investigating.

DYNAMO MATCH POSTPONED: The Houston Dynamo's game against the El Salvadoran club Luis Angel Firpo on Wednesday at Robertson Stadium has been postponed because of Hurricane Ike. A new date will be determined. Saturday's MLS home game against San Jose remains on the schedule.

RED BULLS SIGN BOSS' BROTHER: The New York Red Bulls signed the older brother of New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss to their 28-man roster on Monday. Contract terms were not disclosed. Goalkeeper Terry Boss played most recently with the Charlotte Eagles of the United Soccer Leagues' Second Division between 2007-08.

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