The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has fined Asila Waghi Tumbe K20,000 and suspended all remaining home matches for both Waghi Tumbe and Mt Hagen Wamp Nga Eagles at Jonah Amban Rugby League Oval following crowd violence that forced the abandonment of a Round 14 fixture over the weekend.
The sanctions follow an incident during the match between the visiting Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) Mendi Muruks and Waghi Tumbe at Jonah Amban Oval, where spectators allegedly threw stones and other objects onto the field in the closing stages of the game.
The match was abandoned with approximately three minutes remaining after referee Epi Norm deemed it unsafe to continue. At the time, Mendi Muruks were leading 22-16.
Following an investigation, PNGNRLC declared Mendi Muruks the winners and imposed a K20,000 fine on Waghi Tumbe for failing to provide adequate security as the host club.
PNGNRLC Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer announced the decision in a statement issued yesterday, saying the competition had gathered the necessary information while working closely with both clubs.
“The safety of the players, officials, staff and spectators must always come first,” Archer said.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and deeply disappointing.”
Archer said objects thrown onto the field created serious safety concerns, making it impossible for the match to continue.
He added that while the incident was regrettable, it should not overshadow the positive progress being made across the national competition.
“The actions of a few should not be seen as a reflection of the sport, the club or the supporters who attend matches in the right spirit,” he said.
In addition to the fine, all remaining PNGNRLC matches scheduled for Jonah Amban Rugby League Oval have been suspended until further notice. The competition has not announced when Waghi Tumbe will be required to pay the fine.
Archer said the PNGNRLC would continue to take firm action against conduct that compromises the integrity and safety of the competition.
However, Waghi Tumbe Board Chairman Jim Kalne has criticised the ruling, claiming the crowd unrest was triggered by what he described as biased officiating.
Kalne alleged the referee’s decisions frustrated supporters and contributed to the disorder, urging PNGNRLC to conduct a thorough review of the match footage.
“The referee caused the problem and should be held accountable for what happened,” Kalne said.
He also claimed the same referee had made controversial decisions during the previous weekend’s match between Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Hagen Eagles at the same venue.
Kalne called on PNGNRLC to strengthen referee training, saying match officials play a critical role in maintaining confidence in the competition.
He further argued that responsibility for venue security rested with the Minj Rugby League administration, which manages match-day operations at Jonah Amban Oval, and said police should have been engaged to provide adequate security.
Kalne declined to comment further on the K20,000 fine imposed on Waghi Tumbe.
