Police confront NZealand fans after WCup match

Jun 24, 2010 - 6:26 PM POLOKWANE, South Africa(AP) -- Police confronted celebrating New Zealand fans after their team played its final match at World Cup.

Although New Zealand failed to advance to the round of 16 after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Paraguay, the fans were still happy with the team's third straight point at the tournament. But police were seen confronting Kiwis fans as they were leaving the area around the stadium.

Police spokesman Motlafela Mojapelo said there were no major issues, however, saying "police escorted the fans to the city center without problems."

"Inside and around the stadium, no violence was reported with any of the police posts in operation," Mojapelo said. "Police escorted the fans to the city center without problems."

Another police spokesman, Colonel Hangwani Mulaudzi, also said it was a peaceful confrontation.

"A group of New Zealand fans were singing inside the stadium after the match. They were happy that their team had drawn," Mulaudzi said. "Police told them to move on, that the game had finished and they obliged. Everything was friendly."