A Ghanaian soccer team, enraged by its 5-3 defeat by an Israel team during the Olympic soccer matches here yesterday, attacked Israeli players and tournament officials, touching off a wild melee on the playing field as soon as the game was over. They beat Israeli players with fists and feet and continued to kick them as they writhed on the ground. A French referee who had warned a Ghanaian player for butting and rough play during the game was also beaten. The Israeli players, though badly hurt, restrained themselves and did not retaliate. They were rescued by police. Israeli officials said later that they would not lodge an official protest against the Ghanaians.
The match itself, though hard fought, was not especially rough considering the nature of the game. Nevertheless, several players of both teams were sent off the field and a number were cautioned.
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