The IOC is to consider scrapping the international leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay because of the anti-Chinese protests.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said the issue will be discussed by the organisation's executive board on Friday.

The move comes after protests when the flame was carried in London on Sunday and then Paris yesterday. Organisers were forced to cancel the last third of relay in Paris.

Thousands of protesters made known their feelings about China's policies in Tibet and the country's human rights record.

Mr Rogge said he was "deeply saddened" by the protests and concerned about tomorrow's torch relay in San Francisco.

He said the issue must be discussed by the ruling executive board.

The torch relay has turned into a public relations disaster for the IOC and China's Communist government, which had hoped the August games would showcase an open, modern country.

There was further protest today when three people climbed 150ft above traffic on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and tied the Tibetan flag and two banners to its cables.

The banners read "One World One Dream. Free Tibet" and "Free Tibet 08."

They later climbed down and bridge workers cut down the signs. In all, seven people were charged with conspiracy and causing a public nuisance.

China said disruptions of the Olympic torch relay were "despicable".