■Soccer
Headgear set for debut
Protective headgear and body protectors could make their international debut at the Women's World Cup this month after they were approved by world soccer's governing body. In a circular to national associations, FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi confirmed that the equipment, which is already being used by some professional women players in the US, is acceptable. "Modern protective equipment, such as headgear, facemasks, knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight, padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted," Linsi said. He added that sports spectacles likely would be allowed, though the final decision would rest with the referee, who has the authority to ban equipment if it is considered dangerous.
■ Soccer
Riot disrupts game
An unruly crowd upset with a referee for ejecting a player three minutes before the end of a rural soccer match stormed the field, injuring 20 people, including 13 players and two referees, police said on Thursday. The riot broke out Sunday in the Andean town of Tarma, some 165km northeast of Lima, during second division play between local club Dos de Mayo and visiting Union San Agustin. Dos de Mayo was losing 1-0 in the qualifying match for the division's Peru Cup. A video of the match showed the mayhem, in which packs of fans were seen chasing players around the field, beating them when they fell. Crowds were also shown ripping up seats and trashing the humble stadium. Several players were also doused with gasoline, although they were not set on fire.
■ Field Hockey
Dutch thrash Azerbaijan
Mijntje Donners scored four goals as the Netherlands women's team trounced Azerbaijan 12-1, while men's title-holder Germany dispatched Ireland 4-1 in the European Nations Cup on Thursday. The Dutch, the two-time defending champion, battered Azerbaijan with goals from the fourth minute, and Donners scored a pair in each half. With 19 goals to 1 under its belt after just two games, the Netherlands is primed for a showdown on Monday with Spain, which beat France 5-1. The Dutch and Spanish are unbeaten, and both look set to advance to the semifinals from Pool A. The German men will likely face their biggest test today against Spain. Both remain undefeated, and appear to be the class of Pool A. Poland has risen to the top of Pool B after its second one-goal win, 3-2 over Switzerland. England is second after beating the Netherlands 3-0.
■ Basketball
Rodman released from jail
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman was released from jail on Thursday after being arrested earlier for investigation of being drunk in public. The former NBA player was arrested after police received a call that he was driving his boat in Newport Harbor while under the influence of alcohol, Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said. "When we got there, Mr. Rodman was at the dock next to the [restaurant] attempting to untie the boat. Deputies observed Mr. Rodman fall to the ground," Amormino said. "They interviewed him and determined he was under the influence of alcohol, unable to care for himself or his property." Rodman, 42, was released Thursday night from the Newport Beach jail. A police lieutenant told KCAL-TV that Rodman was held to give him a chance to "sober up." Outside the jail, Rodman told reporters he fell because he was walking backward.
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