Mt Hagen Eagles

This decision comes after a full review by the PNGNRLC of the Round 4 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match between the Mt Hagen Eagles and Gas Resources Central Dabaris in Minj on Saturday.

The match referee, Bonny Bin has also been penalised; the PNGNRLC admitted that the referee was incorrect in changing his decision late in the match.

It was a seesaw affair as the lead changed seven times before the Eagles put the final nail in the coffin, in a match riddled with mistakes despite the high scores.

Eagles scored first through David Kewage in the 7^th minute for a 4 -0 lead.

In the 15^th minute Rex Kaupa showed determination to score a converted try for the Dabaris for a 6 – 4 lead.

In the dying stages of the first half, Eagles Solo Menti put in a kick for Abel Pass to score to regain the lead for the visitors 8 – 6.

“The primitive and the uneducated action of the Hagen Eagles officials and supporters must be condemned at the highest level,” a frustrated Minister posted on his Facebook wall last week.

His comments following an assault on the match referee and Rabaul Gurias players after their semi-final win over the Western Highlands franchise team in Port Moresby.

But the comments by Tkatchenko had got a divided support on social media, with some slamming the words used by the minister as derogative to Western Highlanders.