(World Cup) 600 police personnel to be deployed for crowd control during World Cup street cheering
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- About 600 police personnel will be deployed for crowd control in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul where thousands of sports fans are expected to gather for street cheering during the World Cup in Qatar, officials said Wednesday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has permitted the Red Devils, the official supporters' group for the national soccer team, to use the square for street cheering during the World Cup, about a month after a deadly crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood killed at least 158 people.
"A total of 41 police officers, along with eight police squads (comprising about 560 personnel), will be deployed in Gwanghwamun Square on Thursday to prevent overcrowding," an official at the National Police Agency said.
Thousands of sports fans are expected to join the street cheering on Thursday when the national team is scheduled to face Uruguay. Up to 10,000 fans are forecast to gather for the two following matches next week.
In cooperation with the Red Devils and the Seoul metropolitan government, police will conduct safety checks around Gwanghwamun Square, nearby subway entrances and other surroundings before the cheering event, the official said.
Police will conduct real-time checks on crowd levels to prevent overcrowding and disperse fans to use different paths when leaving the square after the match. Police will also conduct crowd control in nearby nightlife districts where a large crowd is expected following the game.
Separately, a team of special police commandos will also be dispatched to search the area for any explosive or terrorist attack.

Sports fans cheer for the national team on a street in South Korea during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
S. Korea to allow online permit-free entry for tourists from 22 nations to spur spending
-
Opposition leader calls on Yoon to reject imports of products from Japan's Fukushima
-
DP leader says Yoon should have stormed out of summit with Japan if Dokdo issue raised
-
One-third of senior public officials have over 2 bln won in personal wealth: data
-
Actor Yoo Ah-in appears for questioning over alleged drug use
-
S. Korea to allow online permit-free entry for tourists from 22 nations to spur spending
-
Grandson of ex-President Chun apprehended at Incheon Int'l Airport over drug use
-
One-third of senior public officials have over 2 bln won in personal wealth: data
-
Actor Yoo Ah-in appears for questioning over alleged drug use
-
Change seen among Japanese right wing favoring restoration of ties with S. Korea: envoy
-
N.K. leader's sister accuses Zelenskyy of gambling with Ukraine's destiny
-
Top U.S. general cancels plan to visit S. Korea due to time restraints: his office
-
Actors in Netflix series 'The Glory' dating: agencies
-
(2nd LD) S. Korea's exports down for 6th month in March on falling chip demand
-
(LEAD) S. Korea welcomes new guidance on EV tax credits under U.S. Inflation Reduction Act