Mexico to clamp down on soccer violence

MEXICO CITY, Feb 8 (Reuters) Mexico's soccer federation has announced measures to clamp down on crowd violence after three recent matches were hit by trouble.

The federation said on its Web site that organised supporters groups known as ''porras'' would not be allowed into away games until further notice.

It also banned clubs from giving free tickets to supporters clubs and ordered the installation of closed circuit television in and around stadiums.

Mexican football crowds have traditionally been peaceful, with matches attracting large numbers of families.

The emergence of the ''porras'', who are often modelled on Argentina's barras bravas, has livened up the atmosphere at matches but has also brought incidents of violence.

The current wave of trouble began 10 days ago at Veracruz when fans of visiting team Pumas UNAM threw missiles on to the field.

There was also trouble last Saturday at Morelia's match at home to Tigres UANL and on Sunday at the Azteca stadium where hosts America lost 1-0 to Atlas.

On Monday, Guadalajara coach Jose de la Torre was banned from the touchline for three games after being accused of inciting crowd unrest.

The Mexican federation's disciplinary committee ruled that he had behaved provocatively by raising his arms to the home supporters after a refereeing decision went against his team.

REUTERS SAM HS2043