A rugby league semi-final in Port Moresby ended in violence after a member from the losing team punched a referee, sparking a stadium-wide brawl on August 27. Pasifik News reported the Mount Hagen Eagles lost to Agmark Gurias, 19-12. On the full-time whistle, an official from the Eagles reportedly threatened the referee before repeatedly punching him.
What followed was hundreds of fans rushing into the middle of the field with players from both teams fleeing from the sudden stampede. Spectators can be seen throwing around punches and chairs.
Pasifik reported the PNG Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko wanted to impose permanent bans on those involved, with criminal investigations to follow. Credit: Anonymous via Storyful
