The mystery deepens. For weeks, Olympic authorities have been adamant that spectators are not allowed to bring food or drink into Shanghai Stadium during the soccer matches to be held there. But thanks to a helpful reader, we learn that the rule has been refined:
Ticket holders will also be screened for thermos flasks and food, especially fruits or eggs that could be thrown.
It seems to me that the organizers have under-estimated the comedy value inherent in throwing non-fruit or egg type foods at athletes. For example, a well-thrown club sandwich expresses discontent with poor officiating far more effectively than, say, a rotten tomato.
Pretty much the same rules that apply at Chinese Super League games: no bottles, but drinks in cups are OK (sold at concession stands inside the stadium, naturally).
Sensible, especially for the football. I remember seeing the variety of items thrown at an unfortunate Qingdao player who was stretchered off right in front of the Beijing Guo’an season ticket holders’ stand at the Workers’ Stadium.
To this day I’m *convinced* I actually saw someone throw their mobile phone at him.
Let’s see what other projectiles are allowed: shoes, hats, pens, hot cereal in plastic bags, most Chinese food (tofu !!!)