Rugby league: Nine players banned, officials suspended after on-field chaos in PNG
Photo:
Facebook / Paradise Pixel PNG
Nine rugby league players have been handed lengthy bans after a wild brawl broke out during a top-of-the-table clash in Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNRLC) in Lae.
Three officials have also copped a minimum suspension of 12 months and the two clubs involved were fined more than US$6000 (PNGK25,000).
The incident occurred during the Round 13 match between the Mendi Muruks and Goroka Lahanis in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday.
But shortly into the second half, a fight broke out.
Local media report that the altercation escalated, with staff jumping in and aggravating the situation.
The match ended in an 18-all draw.
In a news conference on Monday, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) said the incident was "disappointing".
"Our game cannot accept this behaviour," PNGRL general manager pathways and performance Tony Archer said.
"We need to stand tall as a game, take responsibility when behaviour goes outside of what is acceptable, and what happened on Sunday is not acceptable."
The combined length of these suspensions amounts to a staggering 53 weeks.
Archer said the PNGRFL acted swiftly and is committed to improving the game and cleaning up foul play.
He added that such incidents cannot be repeated.
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