clarinews@clarinet.com (02/01/90)
DHAKA, Bangladesh (UPI) -- Hundreds of cricket fans angered by a referee's disputed call attacked each other with firebombs Wednesday, prompting a police assault that left one person dead and 100 wounded, officials said. Riot police initially used batons in their attempt to quell the violence in the town of Naryanganj, 10 miles southeast of the capital Dhaka, but later were forced to open fire to restore order, officials said. One person was fatally wounded by the gunfire and died at the scene, police said. It was not known if the victim had been among the rioting spectators. Seven people suffered bullet wounds and five policemen were wounded by stones hurled by rioters. In all more than 100 people were wounded in the melee and subsequent police crackdown. Officials said the riot was prompted by a referee's disputed call during a cricket match between two local amateur teams. Supporters of the rival teams battled each other with firebombs, sticks and stones.