Police are pleased with the behaviour of the vast majority of fans at tonight¡¯s Rugby League World Cup match between Tonga and Samoa at Hamilton¡¯s Waikato Stadium.
Waikato District RLWC Operations Commander Inspector Karen Henrikson said the boisterous and vocal crowd created a great atmosphere and there were few incidents of concern to Police.
¡°It was a really good crowd, with plenty of singing and plenty of colour.¡±
Police made four arrests during the match. Three of these were for pitch invasions ¨C one for a person who was arrested before they could get onto the playing surface and two who went onto the ground after the final whistle.
¡°Under the Major Events Management Act, going onto the playing surface at Rugby League World Cup matches is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment for up to three months,¡± said Inspector Henrikson.
¡°Police won¡¯t tolerate people going onto the pitch and we will charge anyone who is silly enough to do so.¡±
A fourth person was arrested for detoxification and 20 people were evicted from the venue by Police and/or security for intoxication or bringing in prohibited items.
Police were also called to an assault on a security guard outside the stadium. The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution, but not seriously injured. Police are making inquiries to identify the attacker.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Team