Rowdy fans are part of game: Peka

By PISAI GUMAR

MOROBE teams in the Telikom National Soccer League (NSL) competition must not encourage rowdy behaviour by fans at home games.
Lae Football Association (LFA) games coordinator John Peka made this call during the week after Lae sides and supporters had been portrayed negatively in the media.
Peka said Lae fan’s penchant for rowdy and intimidating behaviour towards opposition teams was unacceptable but going to the media to address the issue was not the way to go.
Peka said hadHekari complained publicly after a third round match in Lae was marred by abusive fans but the defending champions should have done so to the competition organisers.
“I believe there is a more appropriate channel to address such incidents  and bringing the complaint to the NSL’s disciplinary panel is that way. The NSL can then decide what penalty to lay on clubs and their fans,” Peka said.
He said the behaviour exhibited by Lae fans was not new and teams needed to be aware, and the competition organisers could take steps to address the problem.