by Skola Sengi – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
Crowd control and intimidation remains a concern for the country’s premier Inter-City Cup competition.
Clubs have come under fire for poor spectator behavior when hosting home matches.
Over the years, confrontations between spectators, players and match officials, have escalated into riots.
This week, Waghi Tumbe and Enga Mioks Managements will deliberate further with PNGNRL over a spectator violence incident which occurred in round nine.
Waghi Tumbe have been fined a hefty K5,000 for the on-field conduct of their spectators, which resulted in a number of Enga Mioks players being hospitalised in round nine of the Inter-City Cup clash in Minj.
PNGNRL have nullified the match between Waghi Tumbe and Enga Mioks, resulting in a draw.
Since the inception of the semi-professional competition, match officials, players and club management have been attacked for numerous reasons, turning the spotlight on to the conduct of spectators.
Clubs and players have been banned, home matches cancelled, and hefty fines imposed over the years for numerous incidents.
This calls for an increase in the number of security personnel to ensure crowd control and the safety of all parties attending matches in respective centres.
The Enga Mioks management is yet to release the names of players and the extent of injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Respective club managements and the PNGNRL will further deliberate on the incident tomorrow in Port Moresby.
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