Digicel Cup teams put on notice

Five Digicel Cup teams have been put on notice by the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC).

Tumbe (Minj), Muruks (Mendi), Eagles (Mt Hagen), Lahanis (Goroka) and Cutters (Kimbe) franchises have been warned to control spectators and crowd behaviour during their home games.

“This is a warning to them and they must seriously take note,” PNGNRLC Manager, Stanley Hondina, said. “I remind them to comply with the Participation Agreement requirements that the host side is responsible for the safety and security of all players, officials and crowds.”

His caution follows the announcement of the suspension of all remaining home games hosted by EPG Enga Mioks at Aipus oval in Wabag.

Hondina said due to an incident where a Touch Judge was assaulted and injured in a Digicel Cup match against Lae Snax Tigers recently, the PNGNRLC Board has suspended all remaining five games at Wabag for the 2019 season.

“We have video footage of an unidentified person running on the field and punched a Touch Judge resulting in a broken jaw and suspected fractured rib,” Hondina said.

“Players, match officials and general spectator security and safety is paramount and is the responsibility of the host franchise. This is spelt out in the Participation Agreement signed by all franchises.”

Hondina stated that the PNG-NRLC and PNGRFL has a zero tolerance on violence of any form.

“There should not be any violence by anyone anywhere in any form in the communities. And when it happens at a rugby league oval, the consequences are tough and we will not tolerate this,” he said. “Everyone including women and children who attend a game must be safe and enjoy the game we all love.”

Hondina has requested Mioks officials to identify the person that ran on the field and assaulted the Touch Judge be arrested and charged by Police. “Failure to do so may attract other further penalties,” Hondina added.

He further said Mioks assistant coach Joseph Kipi has been banned immediately from associating with the Mioks in any capacity for the remainder of the 2019 season.

“Kipi was captured on video pointing fingers at the referee. He has issues from last year and such attitudes by match officials on the bench is not tolerated,” he said.

Hondina also put on notice Tumbe (Minj), Muruks (Mendi), Eagles (Mt Hagen), Lahanis (Goroka) and Cutters (Kimbe) franchises to control spectators and crowd behaviour during their home games.

“This is a warning to them as well and they must seriously take note,” he said. “I remind them to comply with the Participation Agreement requirements that the host side is responsible for the safety and security of all players, officials and crowds.”

The Round 12 fixture between Enga Mioks and Gulf Isou will be played at the NFS this Saturday, June 22, at 12 noon followed by Hela Wigmen and Lae Snax Tigers at 2pm and at 4pm will see Central Dabaris host Kimbe Cutters.

“Please note that this weekend’s Digicel Cup Round 12 triple header at the NFS in Port Moresby will be played on Saturday and not Sunday.”

(A recent match between the Kimbe Cutters and Enga Mioks – Picture: Kalakai Photography)

Author: 
Press release