The Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League (PSRL) Semi-Final games held at the Waigani Koni Tigers oval on Saturday 28th October, had to be cancelled due to on- field violence after players and team officials laid waste to the match officials.
The very unfortunate incident took place during the first A-Grade match when a try was not awarded to the Kagua Woodman team due to a player stepping over the touch- line in an attempt to score a try. This led to players arguing about the decision and then decided to take matters into their own hands by brutally attacking the referee and the linesman.
The possibility of an on-field violence was shown prior to this incident during the A- Grade match with verbal confrontations as well in the B- Grade matches when teams and coaching staff felt the urge to go against decisions made by the referee and linesman. This resulted in exchanges of verbal abuse that saw the games stopped as well.
The PSRL Points Collector and Games Organizer, Mr. Judah John told PNGHAUSBUNG that a meeting will be held today at the Koni Tigers Oval to determine the action to take on the teams that there involved in the incidents on Saturday.
“Teams need to learn to accept defeat, understand that there will be one winner and one loser.”
“We feel that police patrol is necessary to minimize the risk of our officials and supporters during unexpected, heated events,” said Mr. John.
“With all these incomplete games, we are uncertain on whether the teams should have a rematch or be forfeited. Our meeting today will determine the decisions.”
He said the supporters went to watch some good rugby league matches, but instead witnessed violence between players and officials.
He added that the PSRL officials have the authority to disqualify or suspend players who displace inappropriate behavior during matches; therefore, team officials and staff must be mindful of their words and actions towards PSRL officials at rugby league tournaments.