LTTE SUPPORTERS' CARDIFF PROTEST

'Tiger' protestors invade ground during Cardiff match surrounded bus with Sri Lankan players inside

    Though the authorities had provided security on the presumption that 'Tiger' supporters would create disturbance at the semi-final competition of the Champions Trophy held in Cardiff yesterday, 2 Tamils with LTTE logo had invaded the grounds on the last over of the Sri Lankan side and had tried to create a disturbance by displaying a poster with the slogan "Rajapaksha is responsible for having slaughtered Commonwealth citizens", in view of Rupavahini cameras. However, the police took immediate steps to take them into custody and whisk them away from the grounds. In the meantime, when the Indian team had been batting, about another 6 'Tiger' supporters had invaded the grounds around 4.30 in the afternoon and the Wales police were able to take them into custody. It was reported that a fine of a minimum of pounds 1000 was imposed on each of them in respect of their behaviour in relation to their anti-disciplinary behaviour at such a distinguished cricket championship.      

    In the meantime, what the NDTV news service reported was that at the time the Sri Lankan team was getting into the bus to leave after the match, hundreds of 'Tiger' supporters had surrounded the bus and had staged a protest.

   It was also reported that all these protestors had remained approximately half a kilometre  of a distance from the pavilion while the match was in progress. Though Wales police had made it a point to arrive on the grounds from time to time to spy on the activities prior to the invasion, it is reported that they were unable to distinguish between the actual 'Tigers' and the others, because there was a large gathering of Indians too who were present to witness the match.