Samoa prepare to challenge Tonga in their Pacific Championship encounter. Photo: DAVE HUNT/Photosport
Risky behaviour and disorder on the roads has resulted in 23 arrests during celebrations for a Pacific Championship league game, as some fans became too rowdy, police say.
Officers were out in the Auckland suburbs of Ōtāhuhu, Māngere, Ōtara and Clendon, monitoring behaviour around the intense rivalry between Toa Samoa and Mate Ma'a Tonga during their clash at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
More than 44,000 supporters crammed into the venue to create vibrant atmosphere that was interrupted for 90 minutes, when a lightning storm drove players from the field. When they returned, Samoa emerged 34-6 winners to book a place in the competition final.
Across this side of the Tasman, fans were also out in force, with police thanking "the majority who celebrated peacefully and lawfully", but "there were multiple incidents that were disappointing".
Problem behaviour incidents included high-risk traffic offending, people riding on top of vehicles and sustained loss of traction. Officers tallied 14 arrests on Saturday, nine on Sunday, and 204 infringement notices issued for driving and road-related offences during their patrols in the Auckland suburbs.
The passionate competition between fans of the teams was widely visible across parts of the country in the lead-up to the match, with many mounting flags and messages on vehicles, or celebrating with music.
Fans at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, where Toa claimed a 34-6 decisive victory Photo: Toa Samoa Facebook
While most fans behaved well, police called on those who broke the rules to think twice next time.
"This behaviour is not only unlawful, it poses a real risk to those participating in this behaviour, spectators and members of the public," they said.
"Police ask those who wish to celebrate to please do so in a lawful and considerate manner, to ensure the safety of everyone within our communities."
Officers would continue to track down those who behaved illegally in the weekend by following up on information that was gathered at the time.
They also called on anyone who witnesses any unlawful or suspicious behaviour to immediately call police and report the details, on 111, or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
Mate Ma'a Tonga will face NZ Kiwis at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday, needing a 17-point win to book a rematch with Samoa in the championship final.
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