LONDON: Security guards at Britney Spears' New York show sparked outrage among concertgoers - after escorting fans from their seats for dancing "too provocatively".

The singer, known for her suggestive lyrics and sexually-charged stage routines, played to a packed house at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday (25Aug09) as part of her ongoing Circus tour.

Security staff appeared to be on alert for fans imitating the star, and have sparked controversy after escorting ticket-holders from their seats and forcing them to miss part of the show to chastise their dance moves.

Spears fan Sandra Ion, who was escorted into a hallway by security, tells the New York Post: "I guess there had been a complaint from someone in our section that our dancing was too risque. Meanwhile, Britney is onstage gyrating half-naked and singing 'Get Naked.' It was totally ridiculous. They should have just moved whoever complained instead of all of us."

A spokesperson for the venue had not returned requests for comment as WENN went to press.