21 arrests for disorder after league - but police 'happy' with behaviour

Police in Otahuhu confiscate a flagpole from a Tonga rugby fan and return his flag to him. Photo / Chris Loufte

Police arrested 21 people for disorder-related offences in South Auckland last night after Tonga's loss to England in their Rugby League World Cup semifinal.

But they are "happy" with the behaviour of the masses of fans out in force in the area.

Following Tonga's historic 28-22 win over the Kiwis two weeks ago, police locked up 53 people for bad behavior.

Soon after the final whistle of that game, Otahuhu's town centre descended into "significant disorder" with people setting off fireworks near a petrol station, throwing missiles at police, and obstructing roads and footpaths.

But it was a different scene on the streets last night.

Inspector Wendy Spiller said police mounted a "significant operation" in the Otahuhu Town Centre and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of the community after the game at Mt Smart Stadium.

Police in Otahuhu confiscate a flagpole from a Tonga rugby fan and return his flag to him. Photo / Chris Loufte

"A number of roads were closed around Otahuhu Town Centre to manage congestion and to keep pedestrians safe," Spiller said.

"Overall police are happy with the behaviour by members of the public following the game."

Senior Sergeant Joe Hunter was in Otahuhu last night and said there was "a real concentration of people" in the centre.

"The behaviour of our people in this community's been pretty good... the mood has been pretty good."

Hunter said police were concentrating on keeping traffic flowing and removing anything that could be used as a weapon from revellers.

"If we're seeing something dangerous we're trying to intervene."

Video supplied to the Herald showed a pile of what appears to be makeshift flagpoles confiscated by police - a mixture of wooden handles, bamboo, metal structures and even a fishing rod used to fly team flags.

A "significant" number of additional staff were deployed around South Auckland, Spiller said, which "greatly assisted in ensuring the celebrations ran smoothly".

"Safety is paramount for our community," Hunter said.

Police made 21 arrests throughout the evening following disorder-related offences.

"We were disappointed that a person smashed the window of a police patrol vehicle on Rockfield Rd in Penrose at approximately 10.15pm," she said.

Tonga fans at the Rugby League World Cup semifinal match between Tonga and England at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo / Jason Oxenham

"Police were unable to immediately identify who smashed the window but inquiries are ongoing.

NZME chief executive Michael Boggs witnessed some of the disorder first-hand.

He was walking along Walls Rd in Penrose with his wife after the match when half a brick hurtled towards him and hit his ankle.

"It was quite alarming…and a little scary [we had] to make sure we kept on moving and got to the car and away as soon as we could," he said.

"Lucky it was only a little clip and a bit of hobbling... I'm all good luckily."

Spiller said the rest of the night appeared to go smoothly.

"It was a busy evening with thousands of supporters out on the streets," she said.

"It's been great to see the passion from Tongan supporters during the tournament and we are pleased that the majority of supporters behaved appropriately.

"It's unfortunate that a small number of people threatened to spoil the occasion, however police took a zero-tolerance approach and ensured they were arrested quickly and removed from the area."

Tonga fans, who came out in force to paint the city red for their beloved team, were left bitterly disappointed by England's thrilling 20-18 victory.