Crowd control gauged

By ISAAC LIRI
DESPITE the home side going down to the Australian Prime Minister’s 13 over the weekend with a 58-0 thumping at the National Football Stadium, hundreds of PNG fans took advantage of an opportunity to defy security and police units, pushing their way into the field of play after the game.
Although it seemed to some an intense expression of admiration by PNG fans as they wanted to touch their favourite Australian league stars and take pictures with them, it was disappointing for others from a patriotic point of view.
For the venue management, they are now in the process of cleaning up the mess after Saturday’s game.
National Football Stadium general manager Lee Pokarop told The National yesterday that he was disappointed with the fact that fans were allowed to make their way onto the field of play after the game.
But on the other hand, he mentioned that the excitement was understandable, especially with high profile players in the visiting Australian side.
“I made myself very clear in a briefing before the actual game that fans are not allowed in the field.
“Mark Mom from the PNGNRL also mentioned it to the Australians in the dressing room,” Pokarop said.
“They were told to stay within the red line but they did not listen because, I guess, they were excited about meeting the fans.”
He said there were about five parties given the responsibility to ensure the event was successful and they were the G4S security guards, the police, the venue management, the hosts (PNG PM’s 13) and the visitors (Australia PM’s 13)
“What happened shows that some parties did not do their jobs well; it is very disappointing to submit to the crowd and we never like to lose control, but after all, it is always challenging and there is always room for improvement.”
Pokarop said safety was their top priority in big games and it was fortunate  that no one had been injured in the post-match drama.
“Everyone’s safety within the vicinity is our responsibility. That’s why strict rules are in place.
“We will have a meeting soon to make assessments.”
Another important issue pointed out by Pokarop was the fans attitude.
“We can bring the best sporting events to the National Football Stadium but the crowd have to play their part by improving their behaviour.
Pokarop said that the incident had put them in a good position to make adjustments.