SUSSEX have defended their security arrangements for last Saturday's World Cup clash at Hove between South Africa and India.

They have been criticised after one Indian fan ran onto the pitch to confront captain Mohammad Azharuddin about his team's four wicket defeat.

One national newspaper described Hove as 'utterly unworthy' of the occasion.

But Mick Forbes, head of security for the match, has accused some players of ignoring advice to leave the field immediately at the end.

'We had a number of security meetings with the police throughout the day and there were no incidences,' said Forbes.

'The only let down was when one Indian fan raced onto the pitch to Azharuddin. A steward was quick to apprehend the fan and, contrary to reports, he was immediately taken away by police.

'We had expressly advised both teams they were to vacate the field as soon as possible after the end of the match to avoid crowd problems, but a few cricketers seemed to disregard this advice.' Tony Pigott, Sussex's chief executive, said: 'From a very large crowd of disappointed Indian fans only one managed to get onto the pitch.

'It was because the match was so well stewarded that this minor incident did not escalate.

'The carnival atmosphere was electric both in and outside the ground. It was a marvellous day and one Hove will always remember.'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.