Sports Briefs

■Soccer
Headgear set for debut
Protective 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 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.

■Cricket
Bangladesh chasing win
Bangladesh in the hunt for their first-ever test victory after Pakistan reached tea on the third day of the third and final test still needing 209 to win with nine second innings wickets remaining. Pakistan, set 261, lost opener Salman Butt as they reached tea at 52-1 but it could have been worse but for two dropped catches. Pakistan earlier bowled out Bangladesh for 154 in their second innings. Bangladesh had taken a first innings lead of 106 after scoring 281 and then bowling out Pakistan out for 175 on the second day. Pakistan has already won the series by winning the first two tests in Karachi and Peshawar. Pakistan's openers, the debutant Salman Butt and Mohammad Hafeez played some bold cricket when they came out to bat in a bid to stop Bangladesh pressing for their maiden test win.

■ Soccer
Imans warn against swearing
Turkey's leaders urged Muslims yesterday to refrain from using foul language when supporting their teams at soccer stadiums. Imams nationwide called on the devout instead to use phrases like Maasallah (May Allah preserve you) and Barek Allah (Blessed Allah) to cheer on their favorite clubs, the private NTV television station said. Turkey's passion for soccer has been marred by outbreaks of violence and police search fans entering stadiums to seize weapons ranging from pocket change to kebab cleavers. In August, one man was killed and 50 wounded when supporters clashed during a local derby in the western city of Izmir. "It's certainly nice for fans and spectators at sporting matches to express their excitement, but it needs to be done in a legitimate way. Applause and praising Allah are suitable," NTV quoted Istanbul's top cleric Bayram Erdogan as saying. <> Agencies