South Africa police confirm at least 14 people hurt at Makhulong Stadium during friendly between Nigeria and Korea DPR
Fans were trampled upon as they rushed to enter the stadium once the gates were opened, although the gates were closed to control the surge of people entering, when the gates were re-opened more people were crushed as a second surge was created.
The crowd, mainly made up of local South Africans and travelling Nigerian fans, had turned up in greater numbers than expected as entry to the match was free.
Press Association Sport report that Colonel Eugene Opperman of the South African Police Services (SAPS) said: "There was definitely a stampede, but it happened on the outside of the stadium and not the inside.
"We have 14 civilians that are injured and one policeman. There were no deaths."
The match did eventually go ahead and finished 3-1 to Lars Lagerback's Nigeria. Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Obinna and Obafemi Martins scored for the Super Eagles while Jong Hyok Cha netted for Korea DPR.
The encounter was also stopped for five minutes in the second half when a railing collapsed inside the stadium and although the venue will not be used during the World Cup these incidents will attract the sort of publicity that the tournament organizers will want to avoid with the World Cup fast approaching.
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