South Africa angry at WC stab proof vests

World Cup hosts South Africa have responded angrily to the story we reported last week about a website selling stab proof vests, which could be personalised with the flag of each country competing at the World Cup this summer.

South Africa's authorities have condemned a London-based company, Protektorvest, which is selling the stab-vests aimed at football supporters.

"These people are out of order," said South Africa's football boss Kirsten Nematandani. "We've never heard of such measures being taken before and there surely is no need for it."

Meanwhile the BBC's Pumza Fihlani, reporting from in Johannesburg, says security officers usually advise foreign travelers to guard against "standing out", so wearing the vests could attract unwanted attention.

Stab proof vests offered to World Cup travellers

Footballs fans traveling to the World Cup in South Africa this summer can buy stab proof vests in their country's colours.

The vests are being sold by London-based firm protektorvest.com and are available in the flags of many different nations taking part in the tournament.

The British Football Supporters Federation believe the company are cashing in on fears relating to South Africa's perceived high crime rate.

BFSF spokesman Malcolm Clarke said the federation worked closely with the authorities to give fans security advice.

"Part of that advice will not include buying a stab vest. This will just panic people and introduce a degree of tension," he said.

The company claims the vests, sold at $69.95, will protect fans from stabs, cuts, slashes and blows from sharp-edged or spiked weapons.

Togo Attack Raises World Cup Doubts

Following the African Nations Cup attack in Angola that targeted the Togo football team, doubts have been raised about the security at this summer's World Cup.

This is surely unfair on South Africa, as while it may have security shortfalls, these can not be ascertained from something that occurred in the same continent. If a similar event happened in Europe ahead of a European-based World Cup, the reaction would have been very different.

Anyway, Hull City manager Phil Brown, said: "This throws a question mark against next summer's World Cup.

"You simply cannot put the safety of players, officials and fans at the slightest risk. That is totally unacceptable.

"I have two players - Daniel Cousin and Seyi Olofinjana - on duty (at the African Nations Cup) and I want them back home here with us as quickly as possible."

In a response to the incident in Angola, World Cup chief organiser Danny Jordan, attempted to distance South Africa from the shocking incident, which left the bus driver dead and two players injured. He said: "It has no impact on our World Cup. The world understands that sovereign countries are responsible for their own safety and security and to say what happened in Angola impacts on the World Cup in South Africa is the same as suggesting that when a bomb goes off in Spain, it threatens London's ability to host the next Olympics.

"It is nonsensical for South Africa to be tainted with what happens in Angola, which is not even one of our neighbouring countries."