N.Korea players suspended for Asian Cup violence

SYDNEY, July 28 (Reuters) Three North Korean players were suspended today for violent conduct after their team's 1-0 loss to China in the women's Asian Cup semi-finals in Adelaide.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that Han Hye-yong, Sun Son-kyong and Sun Song-jung had all been automatically banned from playing in Sunday's third-place playoff against Japan after a spiteful ending to Thursday's match.

The AFC, which met in Adelaide today to discuss the incident, said the disciplinary committee was considering further sanctions.

''Goalkeeper Han Hye-yong was red carded by Italian referee Anna De Toni for violent conduct on the pitch and kicking the referee from behind when she (the referee) was being escorted to the referees' room,'' an AFC statement said.

''Sun Son-kyong and Sun Song-jung were suspended for throwing bottles and other objects at the referees and also at the spectators.'' Television footage showed several North Korean players remonstrating with the referee after a late goal they scored was disallowed for offside.

The decision triggered ugly scenes with spectators and players throwing bottles at each other as security guards moved in to escort the referee from the pitch.

China's 1-0 victory put them through to the final against hosts Australia, who had earlier beaten Japan 2-0.

REUTERS PM DS1050