German dancers go top of the table for fans

DUESSELDORF, June 23 (Reuters) The table dancers at Duesseldorf's ''Explosion'' bar are adapting to their new stage outfits -- soccer shirts and knee socks with their usual high-heeled shoes.

They may be less flattering then they are used to but they need not wear them for long.

''We considered soccer boots and studs as well but they are not very easy to dance in,'' said bar manager Faisa Ben Hassine.

''Plus they would damage the stage.'' Within stumbling distance of Duesseldorf station and easy reach of the stadiums of Cologne, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, Ben Hassine's business is booming, as groups of male fans come to toast their team's victory or seek solace for a defeat.

''If a big team plays and wins then all the girls will wear the kit of that nation,'' Ben Hassine explained.

''Occasionally they will even dance to the national anthem...

though sometimes we curtain off a section for the losers and consider their feelings too.'' The club is festooned with flags from all World Cup participating nations to draw in fans on the prowl.

But after complaints from nearby mosques Ben Hassine had to remove the flags of Saudi Arabia and Iran.

''Angry Imams called me saying what are you doing? You are a Muslim yourself,'' said Tunisian-born Ben Hassine.

''It is ridiculous -- sport has nothing to do with religion -- and I was so proud of all the flags.'' REUTERS DH KN1839