Banners, such as those saying "Go China," will not be allowed in Olympic venues. While such posters have been frequently seen during the Olympic torch global relay, the tendentious banners violate the fairness principle of an Olympic event, according to Olympic venue rules.

The rules, promulgated on Monday, 25 days ahead of the Games by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG), advise spectators not to bring into the venues support banners and leaflets of commercial publicity, religion, politics, military, human rights and environmental and animal protection, among others.

Huang Keying, a BOCOG official, said the rules, with 22 restrictions and four prohibitions, were completely in line with the Olympic Charter. "Each spectator is subject to the rules aimed at maintaining security and order of the venue."

Li Yong, a BOCOG volunteer department staff, told Xinhua people with banners would be stopped at the entrance security check. "Spectators should cheer for both Chinese and foreign athletes."

The rules also ban photo-shooting with a flash, drunkenness and gambling, as well as soft drink containers, musical instruments, including whistles, long umbrellas, cigarette lighters, cameras and radios at venues.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2008)