Rioting fans halt World Cup qualifier in Myanmar

Rioting fans halt World Cup qualifier in Myanmar
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Summary Qualifier abandoned after missiles are thrown onto the pitch in a match between Myanmar and Oman.

A World Cup qualifier between Myanmar and Oman was abandoned after angry fans hurled rocks and glass bottles at the referee, the visiting coach Paul Le Guen and one of his players, witnesses said.Oman were leading the second leg 2-0 and 4-0 on aggregate.Despite a heavy police presence, Myanmar fans turned unruly when Japanese referee Ryuji Sato awarded a penalty to Oman with the home side trailing 1-0, and facing early elimination from Asian qualifying for the 2014 finals in Brazil.Omans Ismail al Ajmi converted the spot kick to put his side 2-0 ahead after 39 minutes, sparking anger among the crowd at the Thuwunna Stadium and prompting players to flee for cover in the dressing room. Omans coach was pictured after receiving a blow to the head, apparently from an object thrown from the crowd.Fans leaving the stadium said the referee had made a bad decision in awarding the penalty.Soccer is popular in Myanmar and its league is growing fast, but hooliganism is rare.Myanmars soccer association president Zaw Zaw tried to calm the fans at the stadium and said he would try to find out whether the game would be replayed or Oman would be awarded the victory.
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