Goroka ruled out

THERE will be no more Digicel Cup games in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, this season or at least until the strict Covid-19 pandemic protocols are eased, says an official.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition manager Stanley Hondina said this following the burning down of a kunai hut at the National Sports Institute (NSI) and invasion of the field by spectators during the round-eight clash between the Lahanis and visitors Lae Tigers in Goroka on Sunday.
“Under the protocols, a pre-assessment was carried out by the organisers and I and only 500 spectators were to be allowed into NSI to watch their first game this season,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“However, the passion of those spectators who could not get in, couldn’t hold back and 10 minutes into the second half, removed the main gate and parts of the iron fence to access the game.
“They actually behaved well to cheer for their team only to see them going down to the Tigers.”
Hondina said as they were running in, some youths torched the hut with the ‘Welcome to NSI’ signboard.
He said towards to the end of the game, the clean zone – only for players and officials – was completely disregarded with spectators invading the field to celebrate a try by the Lahanis.
“The organisers complied with the protocols well,” Hondina said.
“Police who were in attendance to enforce the protocols were outnumbered and overpowered by the huge crowd.
“As a consequence of the breaches, no more Digicel Cup games will be hosted by the Lahanis in Goroka for the rest of this season or until such time the measures, especially on crowd numbers, are eased or lifted.
“I met with the NSI staff and club management and the Lahanis had agreed to meet the costs of any damages done to the NSI facilities.”
Meanwhile, he said all protocols were followed with only 600 spectators allowed onto Minj’s John Ambane Oval for the Waghi Tumbe-Mt Hagen Eagles match on Saturday.
Hondina said those who were denied entry had behaved well.
“I congratulate the Waghi Tumbe management and venue staff for successfully hosting their first game (of the season),” he said.
“Tumbe will be given another chance to host one more game should the need arise with three rounds remaining.”