A South African man has been jailed for two years for stealing a blanket and three beers from a 75-year-old German fan after a World Cup match.

Mothusi Phiri, 21, was arrested on Tuesday evening after he robbed the German man of his complimentary blanket and Budweiser beers after the Mexico-Uruguay match in Rustenburg, police said on Friday.

"He was arrested on the same day and sentenced to 36 months, which was reduced to two years," said North West province police spokesman Lesego Metsi.

The German man was walking out of the stadium when someone snatched his blanket and beers, he added.

South Africa is running 56 special World Cup courts to fast-track the hearing of crimes committed during the tournament, particularly those involving foreigners.

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