Fan hurt in pitch invasion

A person was hospitalised with a suspected broken ankle after trying to storm the field during the Rugby League World Cup’s 2017 quarterfinal in Wellington.

All up, nine people were evicted from Westpac Stadium on Saturday night as Fiji beat New Zealand 4-2 to knock the Kiwis out of the tournament.

Inspector Neil Banks, the Rugby League World Cup operations commander for Wellington Police, said one person was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle when they tried to jump a barrier to get onto the playing surface.

‘‘He was intoxicated and climbing over the fence when he fell and quite seriously injured himself.

‘‘This is one of the many reasons we don’t want people trying to get onto the pitch. It’s dangerous.’’

The man is now facing a charge of pitch invasion under the Major Events Management Act, which can carry a maximum penalty of up to three months in jail or a fine of up to $5000.

Another person was also charged with pitch invasion following a separate incident during the game.

Banks said a third person was arrested when they became disorderly while being evicted from the stadium. ‘‘Overall, the behaviour was very good with low intoxication levels and people enjoying the game.’’

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