The major sponsor for match officials of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has condemned the violence against referees and touch judges last weekend.
Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) denounced the violence and called on PNGRFL to take appropriate actions in imposing strict penalties on those involved in humiliating the standard of rugby league in the country.
MVIL Managing Director, Mr. Michael Makap, said first and foremost, the match officials are human beings who deserve to be treated with decency and respect. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the game is played in a spirit of good competition and fairness.
Secondly, the match officials who were assaulted in this PNGRFL-sanctioned match had MVIL-branded uniforms on. Hence, the attack on the officials is an indirect attack on MVIL.
“Those referees and touch judges who were assaulted were wearing MVIL-branded uniforms. It is an unpleasant thing to see in the print media, on television and on social media. MVIL is against all forms of violence,” he said.
“I mentioned during my opening speech before the 2021 Digicel Cup Grand Final Match that MVIL will not tolerate any form of violence against match officials. I condemn such behaviour in the strongest possible terms as a sponsor and avid supporter of the sport.”
Mr. Makap has formally written to the PNGRFL to provide a written response on how the organisation is handling the matter and its strategies to protect match officials in future matches.
He further added that the rugby league body should impose life bans on those involved to show that there is no place for violence in this sport as well as a stark reminder to those taking part in the league.
MVIL stands together with PNGRFL match officials against this senseless behaviour.
The company will reconsider its future sponsorship.