Hagen loses hosting privilege

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The National, Tuesday July 16th, 2013

 MT HAGEN will no longer host Digicel Cup rugby league matches this year.

The PNG National Rugby League  acted quickly in response to Sunday’s pitch invasion of Rebiamul oval by spectators during the game between homeside Mt Hagen Eagles and Simbu Lions.

Digicel Cup general manager Hubert Warupi yesterday confirmed matches in the Western Highlands capital have been suspended and the Eagles will play their remaining home games at a neutral venue or the at the visitors’ ground.

This is the second  match in the space of two weeks that has been prematurely ended because of the violence by fans. 

Aipus Oval in Wabag, Enga, exploded in violence when rival fans fought causing the stoppage of the match between the Enga Mioks and Lae Tigers.

The Digicel Cup management announced the banning of matches in Wabag, but have not verified whether the Engan franchise will be fined for the disruption of the match.

In Mt Hagen, it was the homeside that were set upon by fans who invaded the field in the secondhalf and assaulted Eagles players.

The Rabaul Gurias will now host the Eagles in Kokopo and the Mioks will face the Gulf Isapea in Port Moresby on Sunday.