sporting cars frightening the horses

LONDON, May 31: It's not just the hooligans -- patriotic English soccer fans who attach flags to their cars could also be in trouble with the law.

Police in rural Hampshire have warned motorists that their fluttering flags are frightening the horses.

''It is commendable that the nation is getting behind their football team, but I do have concerns that motorists may cause an animal to bolt and possibly cause injury to itself, its rider or innocent passers-by,'' said Police Constable Derek Grist.

Thousands of cars and vans across the country are sporting the English flag, either attached to the radio antenna or clamped in windows, to show their support in the run-up to the World Cup which starts in Germany next week.

However Grist, the local force's Equine Liaison Officer, cautioned drivers that they could face assault charges if their flag flew off and struck a pedestrian or a cyclist and hurt them.

''We are not trying to be killjoys. All we ask for is a little bit of consideration,'' he said.

REUTERS