Man attacked in Rugby League Violence in PNG dies

A man has died in Rugby League violence  in Papua New Guinea. Joe Pidik was hit with a brick on the head during the violent rampage that took over that weekend at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby during Digicel Cup semi-final match between the Mt Hagen Eagles and the Rabaul Gurias. According to his Employer, Jamie PANG, Joe who was a fan of the Rabual Gurias was  assaulted by opposing Mt Eagles supporters and was on life support after the incident until last night.

The victim was in a company vehicle with workmates and headed back to the office at the Moresby Betting Shop along the Waigani drive when he was hit with a rock by Eagles supporters who had also attacked his colleagues in an open back vehicle which had the Gurias Flag on top with staff in supporting Gurias jerseys. Staff and Driver at that time, Danson Waire told media that they did not attend the match but were driving along the Waigani drive soon after the incident at the stadium. Mr Waire says the vehicle was stopped and attacked twice during their journey back to the office and said that Joe’s death is an indication that fans of PNG’s most loved sport are still not safe, even when off the field and this is not a good sign. 

Port Moresby Betting Shop Owner, Jamie Pang says this violence on and off the field needs to end and adds that the Organisers of such an event should not be blamed in anyway, it is the supporters that need to change their attitude towards the game. Pidik leaves behind his wife, Valencio Pidik and son Torot Pidik,

 He says this is a tragic day for his staff and colleagues at the Moresby betting shop and condemns the attack on young Joe who died while watching PNG’s favorite sporting code. 

He says the Gurias Team including Joe’s family members are devastated and will be at the Betting Shop to pay tribute today.