World Cup crush horror: 16 injured in fans' stampede at stadium in South Africa

Football fans were crushed in a horrific stampede at a South African stadium yesterday - sparking fears of World Cup chaos.

Two policemen were among 16 people injured after thousands of supporters rushed the gates before a friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea in Johannesburg.

Security for England's final warm-up game in Rustenburg tonight has been stepped up and police urged fans to turn up early to avoid a repeat of the crush, said to be caused by a combination of ticket confusion and booze.

Supporters were seen wandering around dazed and covered in blood after the drama. Others were taken to hospital in a fleet of ambulances.

One of the hurt, Princess Mbali, told how she was trampled on. She said: "I thought I was dying. They were just stepping over us. When I asked police for help, they told me to go and watch the match. How can I watch? I might have broken my ribs."

Another, Japhta Mombelo, added: "People just fell over me.

"When I asked the officers to help the told me to stay around as they were organising an ambulance." England play in the 20,000-seater Moruleng arena against local side Platinum Stars before their opening World Cup clash with the USA on Saturday.

The FA stressed only 12,000 fans would be allowed in and they will all need tickets.

But yesterday's security lapse raises serious concerns ahead of the tournament which kicks off on Friday.

Police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said the stampede happened as more than 1,500 rushed at the gates in a bid to get in just before kick-off.

He added: "The gates were opened in good time and there shouldn't have been any problems.

"The match was free and nobody needed tickets but there was a rush, perhaps some people did not understand. It seems alcohol was a factor too. Suddenly, there was a rush of people trying to get into the ground and it caused problems. People have suffered a range of injuries."

The teams were lining up for their national anthems when the first surge happened. Players were unaware of the crush.

Hundreds more were caught up in a further surge in the second half inside the 10,000-seater Makhulong Stadium, which will not host matches during the World Cup.

Of the 16 fans injured, 14 needed hospital treatment, including one of the police officers who was crushed by the rampaging fans.

Organisers said a ticket "mix-up" could have sparked the stampede.

A source added: "Initial reports indicate 10,000 tickets were distributed outside the stadium but a number of fans tried to enter without tickets."

A Fifa spokesman said: "We would like to wish a prompt recovery to those affected by this incident. Fifa had nothing to do with the ticketing." Last year, 22 people were killed in a stampede at a World Cup qualifying match in the Ivory Coast.