Cameroonians frown at laser pointers used during Cameroon – Lybia World Cup qualifying game

By Arrey Egbe

Cameroonian football lovers have shown widespread dissatisfaction following the use of laser beams by Lybian fans during Cameroon’s encounter against Lybia in Benghazi on Tuesday, November 21.

During the game, Cameroonian winger Georges N’koudou could be seen using his palms in an attempt to block laser pointers from getting into his eyes in the course of taking a free-kick.

Spectators also aimed laser beams at Olivier Ntcham as he stepped up to take a penalty. Fortunately, he was able to convert the spot kick that saw Cameroon grab a 1-1 draw via a tie-breaker to Lybia.

At the 2014 World Cup, after Russia suffered a humiliating exit in the group stage following a 1-1 draw with Algeria, Russian manager Capello stated after the match that when Algeria took the free-kick that led to the goal, a green light beam was shining on the face of the Russian goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, which distracted him.

So powerful was the laser beam, aimed by spectators in the stands that Olivier’s face was bathed in green.

What are laser pointers and are they harmful?

Lasers are small hand-held devices that emit sharp and narrow laser beams of visible light. According to the website “laser pointer safety” they can cause damage to the eyes when projected from a close range, especially within a few metres.

But when shone from the stands on a player on the field, the light “would not be steady enough to allow dangerous heat to build up in the eye”. Thus, it “goes for both visible green light, and any non-visible infrared light”.

Are they allowed inside football stadiums?

According to FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations, objects such as laser pointers, which “could distract the players and/or officials”, are not accepted. Article 16 of FIFA’s disciplinary rule states that teams may face disciplinary action and penalties if their spectators are still caught using them.