Warupi’s happy with crowd control efforts

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Tuesday September 3rd, 2013

 THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League is pleased their crowd control measures contributed to a “spectators day” in the Digicel Cup preliminary final between the Port Moresby Vipers and the Rabaul Gurias.

PNGNRL general manager Hubert Warupi commended fans for supporting their teams in a safe and responsible manner unlike the rowdiness that erupted in the Viper-Mioks minor semi-final last week.

“I think it was a spectators’ day, they came to watch and enjoy a good game of rugby league. Full credit to the crowd they behaved very well,” Warupi said.

He admitted the sight of armed police personnel at Lloyd Robson Oval could have deterred errant fans.

“I think the policemen being armed was a deterrent. It was a good accessory for us. We wanted to ensure we had a trouble-free environment and I think we accomplished what we wanted to do.”

Kumuls coach Adrian Lam, who was at the game, was unperturbed by the show of force. “I’ve been here (Lloyd Robson Oval) a hundred times. I’m easy with it (armed police at rugby league games). I don’t have any problems,” Lam said.

Warupi said the PNGNRL would maintain the same level of security but hinted there could be more security deployed for the final.

Warupi said organisers were spared a volatile situation because of the type of fans attracted to the match between the Vipers and Gurias.

“That’s always a telling factor,” he said.