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--> --> New Orleans disturbance quelled quickly NEW ORLEANS (AP) - This time, the bottle throwing was over almost as quickly as it started. And 13 people went to jail. A day after fans in Cleveland threw bottles and other objects to protest the overturning of a game-deciding call by replay, a section of fans got rowdy in New Orleans. Unlike the fans in Cleveland, who caused the last 48 seconds of the Browns' loss to Jacksonville to be played a half-hour later, these fans delayed the game less than a minute. Monday night's disturbance started with 9:39 left in a 34-21 loss to St. Louis. It came when Kevin Mathis of the Saints was called for pass interference in the end zone against the Rams' Torry Holt. Objects came flying out of the seats near where the play occurred. But just as quickly, yellow-jacketed security guards headed for the section, directed by Milt Ahlerich, the NFL's director of security. Ahlerich has spent considerable time here the past month setting up heavy security for the Super Bowl, which will be played Feb. 3. At the same time, the public address announcer proclaimed: "Please. This is New Orleans. We are civilized here." Players and officials milled on the field, and none appeared to be hit by any objects. Meanwhile, there were 13 arrests on charges including drunk and disorderly, resisting arrest and battery. Another 15 people were ejected from the Superdome. The NFL already is looking into the disturbance in Cleveland, where 10 people were arrested. Browns president Carmen Policy apologized on Monday for remarks he made Sunday, including one in which he said: "I don't think this is an example of life and limb being at risk. I like the fact that our fans care." On Monday, Policy said: "I did not set a proper tone. I realize I had to set the record straight. In no way do we approve of that." Whatever, the security detail seemed ready for trouble here. "God forbid that someone gets hurt by a projectile," Ahlerich said. The players and coaches seemed relieved that the disturbance was so quickly ended. "It was unfortunate. You hate to see something happen, and it shouldn't happen," Saints safety Sammy Knight said. "But it was really just a few people." Added New Orleans coach Jim Haslett, "I think the fans were unacceptable in what they did. It looked like the dome security and the New Orleans police acted quickly and put it out fast. I thought they did a great job." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing