Bottle it
NATIONAL: Police have a clear message for rugby league fans this weekend: Violence and disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated. Mate Ma’a Tonga and England face off tonight at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.
Police have a clear message for rugby league fans this weekend: Violence and disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated.
Mate Ma’a Tonga and England face off tonight at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.
Disorder has erupted on a number of occasions during the tournament, with nearly 100 people being arrested on the streets of South Auckland in recent weeks.
Last weekend, a female police officer was knocked unconscious in O¯ ta¯ huhu. On the evening of October 31, an officer was hit in the face with a flagpole in the same area.
Police are ramping up efforts to prevent any repeat violence ahead of tonight‘s highly-anticipated semifinal.
Counties Manukau East area commander Inspector Wendy Spiller said police would be ‘‘out in force’’ after disorder erupted on a number of occasions during the tournament.
‘‘We will have a significant police presence in the area and will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour which puts members of our community or our staff in danger,’’ Spiller said.
She said it was ‘‘disappointing’’ that a small number of people had intentionally caused trouble.
Police are still looking for the person responsible for injuring the female officer. She had not returned to work yet but was making a good recovery, Spiller said.
The officer who was struck with a flagpole arrested his attacker himself but had only been able to perform ‘‘light duties’’ since returning to work.
‘‘Police will not tolerate this violent and cowardly behaviour,’’ Spiller said.
‘‘Our hard-working staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe, and the last thing they deserve is to be attacked or harmed.’’
With the large number of people expected to take part in festivities, Spiller said police would have additional staff on duty to monitor crowd behaviour and ensure the safety of the public.
There is an alcohol ban in and around O¯ ta¯ huhu town centre.
‘‘We want people to keep themselves safe. People acting recklessly and putting themselves and others at harm by riding on vehicles or setting off fireworks in crowded areas will not be tolerated.
‘‘It is important that excited fans do not block streets stopping traffic. This puts themselves and others at risk and, dangerously, prevents access for vital emergency services, while also causing significant disruption for members of the public.’’
There is likely to be significant congestion around O¯ ta¯ huhu on Saturday night and detours may be in place to manage traffic.