STF police and anti riot squads guard Isipathana-Peterite blockbuster finale | Sunday Observer

STF police and anti riot squads guard Isipathana-Peterite blockbuster finale

20 August, 2023

In an unprecedented deployment of heavy security for a schools sporting event, armed Special Task Force personnel and anti riot police backed by a water cannon maintained law and order as St Peter’s College lived up to expectations to beat defending champions Isipathana College in the decider of the inter school league rugby championship at Bambalapitiya yesterday.

Law enforcement and school authorities took no chances to lapse in security as a match between the two particular schools have ended in violence in past years and this year was no exception.

An equally unprecedented crowd witnessed what came to be known as the match of the season as chaotic scenes took centre stage outside the venue two hours before kick-off as hundreds of spectators jostled to enter from a small side entrance as the main gate was closed and tickets sold out in advance. But not even anti riot police personnel could have prevented a crash-in at another entrance and one spectator pulled out Rs 10,000 in an attempt to purchase a ticket if anyone wanted to make a quick kill.

The match had all the drama, tension and excitement of a blockbuster finale that even surpassed all expectations for some fans.

The match also had to be halted for ten minutes in the second half to control a crowd invasion onto the field as the ground was bursting beyond capacity at one section of the stands.

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