Tonga Rugby fans in their cars join the celebrations in the streets of Otahuhu as Tonga beat Lebanon in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Chris Loufte
Tonga Rugby fans in their cars join the celebrations in the streets of Otahuhu as Tonga beat Lebanon in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Chris Loufte
Extra frontline police are being brought in for tonight's Rugby League World Cup semifinal after weeks of violent fracas that left two police officers injured by revellers and resulted in a large number of arrests.
Crowds have been warned to be on their best behaviour with the promise of azero tolerance approach to drunk and disorderly groups who are expected to gather in Otahuhu's town centre for the Tonga v England face off at Mt Smart Stadium.
The plea from police comes after weeks of violent skirmishes following the games including last weekend when a police officer was knocked unconscious by one reveller while patrolling in Otahuhu.
She was the second police officer to be injured while containing crowds in as many weeks.
Another officer was struck in the face with a flagpole, and has only just returned to work on light duties.
A man was arrested in relation to the latter incident but the officer who was hit last weekend is still off work and police haven't found the offender.
Clashes in Otahuhu erupted earlier in the month with hundreds of Tonga and Samoa supporters, some armed with weapons, brawling on public streets. Dozens of arrests have been made following Saturday night games since.
The brawls were so vicious some fans gave up their tickets, including Tongan community leader Salote Heleta Lilo, who said she didn't feel comfortable attending Samoa-Tonga matches.
Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Wendy Spiller, said "violent and cowardly behaviour" against "hard-working" police staff wouldn't be tolerated.
"The last thing (police) deserve is to be attacked or harmed."
An alcohol ban in place around the Otahuhu Town Centre would be "strictly enforced," she said.
"We want people to keep themselves safe. People acting recklessly and putting themselves and others at harm by riding on vehicles or setting off fireworks in crowded areas will not be tolerated."
Significant congestion will see detours in place in the town centre and drivers are asked to consider alternative routes. Fans are also asked not to block streets, which can prevent emergency services from getting through.
