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Old SA flag not welcome

THE old South African flag has been banned from Cape Town's Soccer World Cup stadium, along with items such as teargas and pointy umbrellas.

THE old South African flag has been banned from Cape Town's Soccer World Cup stadium, along with items such as teargas and pointy umbrellas.

The flag is on a list of forbidden items displayed at entrances to the 68000-seater showpiece, which yesterday hosted a whistle-stop visit from a group of invited local and international media.

It is listed just above "banners or flags with content that can reasonably be considered to be sexist, racist, vulgar, discriminatory, inflammatory or offensive".

Also banned are firearms, ammunition, knives and any sharp or pointed metal object that could be reasonably considered a dangerous weapon.

"Even an umbrella with a long extending metal point could be regarded as such," the notice says.

Cup Local Organising Committee Chief Danny Jordaan said he was unaware of the restriction on the old flag, and did not know if it was in force at other 2010 stadiums in the country.

Cape Town mayor Dan Plato said what had happened at upcountry sporting events, where people displayed the old flag, had "caused some embarrassment".

"We don't want that same embarrassment ... here. We want rather to say to people, the old SA flag is not recognised any more," said Plato. - Sapa

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