It was probably inevitable, but spectator behaviour now includes shining a laser in the eyes of competing players to try and influence the result of a game.
This happen when the Socceroos played Kuwait at the Asian Cup qualifier in Kuwait city.
Unfortunately it is likely that the practice will increase and extend to many other sports. Lasers are both cheap and readily available - and because they are only about the size of a pen they are easy to conceal.
Followers naturally want their team to win, but international betting agencies allow money to be wagered on results, and wherever money becomes involved crime inevitably follows.
The sporting codes need to crack down heavily if this is to be nipped in the bud. In the Kuwait city incident the media took clear pictures of the laser light shining from the audience and photo enhancement will probably allow the perpetrator to be recognised.
A laser can cause eye damage - and in some cases blindness. It's use to prevent a sportsperson from performing should be classed as an assault similar to the use of a weapon - and attract an appropriate penalty.
Sport needs to act now - and quickly. A penalty regime needs to be put in place before this form of conduct spreads. Once the practice becomes widespread the only option would be the banning of live audiences - with sporting contests something that the fans watch on television.
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