Assault on referee bad for our game

 IT was very disappointing to read in today’s (07/09/2015) The National of the Lion’s fan who assaulted the referee of the Digicel Cup Grand Final match between the Lions and the Gurias. 

If it was done to a Papua New Guinean referee, it would be bear the same consequences although the penalty should be the same. 

Assaulting an Australian referee is the worst scenario.

The assault on the Australian will have ripple effects, especially, in the so-called country’s favourite sport. 

One of them is that it will directly impact decision of foreign referees when they are called to come in to referee matches in the country. 

Moreover, it will prevent international matches to be played in the country in fear of such incidents. 

This is true especially, when PNG now has a national side in the Queensland Rugby League (Hunters). 

In fact, this is one of the most likely reasons for not hosting any QRL finals in PNG. 

Furthermore, because of such conduct of one individual, it adds to the bad pictures already painted on the scene of PNG rugby league-related assaults to the outside world. 

In this regard, one could only imagine the negative impact it will have on the country’s efforts to field a team in the NRL – Australia and also to hosting international matches here.

The assault is also an indication of an uncivilized person. We are living in the 21st century where people think and reason before taking actions and not the other way around. 

Yet some people are thinking like they are still living way back in the Stone Age. 

If one thinks he/she cannot accept results which would go against himself or herself, simple quit going out to such events. 

You are only painting bad image of the many good people, and in this instance, the many well behaved Simbus as well as majority of the citizens of PNG. 

For once, let us stop all these uncivilized acts of assaulting match referees, fighting among supporters, assaulting players, and so forth especially in rugby league matches. 

Let us enjoy the matches and take pride in the sport we call our favourite.

Rugby League Die Hard

Port Moresby