Soccer: Security nets to stay at World Cup

LEIPZIG, Germany - Soccer World Cup organisers will discard a proposal to ease security at the finals next year following the crowd trouble at this weekend's Bundesliga matches.

"There had been a proposal to remove the netting back behind the goals but we can't consider that now," World Cup organising committee vice-president Wolfgang Niersbach said on Sunday.

Hamburg SV midfielder Alexander Laas suffered a deep cut to his head after being hit by a drumstick thrown from the crowd in Saturday's 3-1 win over Cologne.

Nuremberg's Stefan Kiessling was also hit by an object thrown from the crowd in the game against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The World Cup begins on June 9 in Munich and continues until July 9 in Berlin. The draw takes place in Leipzig on Friday and the incidents on Saturday will be an acute embarrassment to German authorities.

Security concerns were raised at the Confederations Cup held in Germany this year when several games were held up by fans running on to the pitch.

- REUTERS