PNG Police Deny bail to man over Rugby League Stadium assault

A 30-year-old man accused of assaulting a Rabaul Gurias supporter at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby has been arrested and refused police bail.

The man, from Muntma Village in Mul-Baiyer District, Western Highlands Province, was arrested by police after an incident involving spectators during Sunday’s match.

A suspect was arrested by Police/Photo supplied

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed yesterday that the suspect was being held at the Boroko Metropolitan Cell after being charged.

He said police bail had been refused, but the accused could apply for bail through the courts.

Police said officers at the stadium were alerted after the man was allegedly seen misbehaving and assaulting a Rabaul Gurias supporter.

Boroko police, together with supporting units, moved in and arrested the suspect at the stadium.

He was taken to the police station, formally charged and detained.

Mr Simatab said violence and harassment among supporters had no place at sporting venues.

He commended the officers for their quick response and urged spectators to respect supporters of opposing teams.

"The NCD Metropolitan Command strongly condemns the harassment of opposing fans and spectator violence in our public sporting venues," he said.

"Lawlessness under the guise of sports fandom will not be tolerated.

"Rival fans targeting and harassing opposing supporters in the stands threaten public safety and ruin the core spirit of our national sport."

Mr Simatab warned that continued hooliganism could affect local competitions and damage the country’s image.

He said supporters should not assume that wearing team colours or having a match ticket protected them from the law.

"Wearing team colours or holding a match ticket does not give anyone immunity from criminal prosecution.

"If you engage in violence at a sporting venue, you will be arrested and processed through the court system," he warned.

With PNG preparing to mark its 51st Independence Anniversary and host the PNG Games in November, Mr Simatab called on sports fans to behave responsibly.

He said the country was also preparing for the Rugby World Cup and continuing its pursuit of the PNG 2028 NRL bid.

"Let us demonstrate civic pride and unity as we approach our national celebrations, the PNG Games, the Rugby World Cup, and the PNG 2028 NRL Bid, ensuring our public arenas remain safe for families and international visitors alike," he said.