Ango cops suspension

ROYALS Under-20 player Mangi Ango has been handed a 15-year ban after he assaulted a Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) referee during the preliminary finals at the National Football Stadium on Saturday.
POMRFL also referred Digicel Cup premiership-winning captain John Andy — a supporter and former player of Hohola Flies — to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and PNGNRL Competition judiciaries, and the Lae Tigers management for disciplinary action.
The POMRFL judiciary convened a meeting yesterday after Saturday’s preliminary final between Royals and Hohola saw Flies supporters invade the field at fulltime — bringing the game into disrepute, and violating venue and match rules.
“Ango was seen running onto the field and assaulting referee James Kundi,” POMRFL said in a statement yesterday.
It also said Royals senior player Supa George, who played for the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel Cup, was seen damaging toilet and shower facilities near the POMRFL office.
“Ango is hereby banned for 15 years in the game,” POMRFL said.
“Further direction will be given to the PNGRFL judiciary for a maximum life ban.
“George is also banned for 15 years for wilful damage.
“Royals are hereby charged K5,000 for the damages.
“The fine is to be paid in full before the grand final, which is this Sunday (Oct 13).”
Meanwhile, POMRFL said Andy was “seen drunk and assaulted a minor at the public car park area next to oval two on the Oil Search National Football Stadium, contrary to conduct and standing in the game”.
“Also, Hohola Flies supporters were seen by venue security (G4S Security Ltd) smuggling alcohol into the venue,” it said.
POMRFL recommended that Andy be handed a 15-year ban from the game and be refused entry into the stadium.
It fined Flies K5,000 and warned the club to settle the amount before the grand final.