Soccer ban after China riots

Football fans set fires on the stands of the stadium in Xian on Sunday

HONG KONG, China -- China has banned professional soccer matches in the central city of Xian following the rioting of fans over the weekend.

Though the ban is only temporary, no date for a lifting of the ban has been set, state-run media reported on Thursday, suggesting it would last for a month.

Fans of home side Shaanxi Guoli set fires and attacked police and players after the visiting team was awarded a controversial penalty in the dying minutes of a game on Sunday. The penalty conversion forced a 3-3 draw.

At least one player from visitors Tsingtao Beer was injured after being hit by a projectile, while police were pelted with bottles and trash.

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Guoli was also fined 100,000 yuan ($12,000) in what is being described as one of the country's worst ever soccer riots.

In July 2000, 10,000 fans went on the rampage in Xian, attacking the referee, police and police vehicles after a one-all draw.