FANATICOS ENFURECIDOS OBLIGAN A UN ARBITRO A ABANDONAR EL ESTADIO EN HELICOPTERO

Copyright * 1998 Reuters RIMINI, Italy (Apr 27, 1998 - 9:07 EDT) - An Italian referee had to flee a stadium by helicopter at the weekend after enraged fans attacked him as he left on foot, ANSA news agency said on Monday.

Antonio Manari had sent off three Rimini players in Sunday's Serie C derby against Castel San Pietro, which ended 1-1.

As he tried to leave the ground in this northern Italian resort, fans hurled stones and insults at him, forcing him to retreat. Police dispersed the fans but many waited outside for Manari to leave.

The referee eventually flew out in a helicopter provided by Italy's finance police, the Guardia di Finanza.