Pitchside referees to stop streakers at World Cup

BERLIN, May 16 (Reuters) World Cup organisers will employ pitchside referees to spot streakers before they disrupt games.

Referees and German football association (DFB) members will be seated in areas near the pitch and assigned to keep an eye on the crowd around them, Germany's organising committee said.

Nine of the 12 World Cup venues have also introduced physical barriers to deter streakers.

Four streakers evaded stadium security and ran on to the pitch during last year's Confederations Cup in Germany.

In April, a state court upheld a 10,000 euro (12,800 dollars) fine for damages against a streaker, clearing the way for harsh penalties during the World Cup which begins on June 9.

REUTERS DH VC1855