Fears, prayers ahead of kick-off tonight

Salote Heleta Lilo is proud of her part of the world, and her place in it.

So when tickets went on sale for tonight’s Rugby League World Cup match between her home country and its South Pacific neighbours Samoa, the Auckland-based Tongan community leader was quick to snap up seats.

This week — as violence between some rival Tongan and Samoan fans escalated to frightening levels in Auckland — she gave her tickets to tonight’s match in Hamilton to family. She’s heard of others doing the same.

“I’m afraid to go . . . I’ll definitely go to the Kiwis [versus Tonga] next week, but this one, I don’t want to go, I don’t feel very comfortable.”

Police Superintendent Sandra Manderson, the national operations commander for major sporting events, has had a busy week of meetings related to the worsening situation and had heard of frightened people giving away their tickets.

“There are some people in this community who are very worried . . . one woman said they were praying for the animosity between the two nations to end.”

Tensions ignited on Monday after a photo of a young man burning the Samoan flag circulated on social media.

The next day footage appeared online of a street brawl in Otahuhu involving groups of Tongan and Samoan supporters and on Thursday night up to 200 people were involved in a clash between fans, featuring weapons including a machete, pole and sticks, in Otara. Six were arrested for disorderly behaviour and possession of offensive weapons.

The flare-ups between the two communities, who have significant populations in our biggest city, has prompted tournament organisers, stadium bosses and police to renew a focus on making sure what happens before and after tonight’s 7.30pm kick-off is family-friendly and safe.

Cup New Zealand Operations general manager Andrea Nelson said the majority of ticket holders were families and church groups and safety was the top priority.

“We encourage supporters to treat one another with respect and kindness.”

Hamilton City Council’s director of operations with responsibility for Waikato Stadium, Chad Hooker, said security for the event was appropriate to the size of the expected crowd.

“I understand police have reassessed their requirements for the event.”

They had worked closely with the city’s Tongan and Samoan leaders and, as well as a pre-match Pasifika festival outside the stadium, a combined church service will take place tomorrow.

But some of the behaviour in Auckland this week has police worried.

“Some of the behaviour so far has not indicated [fans] will be safe. Some of the behaviour has been inappropriate . . . we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour,” Manderson said.

She said an extra meeting with Cup, stadium and security company organisers took place this week.

She hoped the knowledge of what was being done to ensure safety would ease nerves. “Come along and enjoy yourself, because it will be a positive environment.”