Updated: 10:05am – Despite making 21 arrests, police say they are happy with how fans behaved after Tonga’s narrow Rugby League World Cup loss to England.
Tonga lost 20-18 to England in the semi-final at Mt Smart stadium to miss out on a maiden berth in the World Cup final.
In nearby Otahuhu Town Centre and surrounding areas, a large police presence mobilised to closed roads to allow safer pedestrian access and watch over celebrations.
Inspector Wendy Spiller praised the passion from Tongan supporters during the tournament and was “pleased that the majority of supporters behaved appropriately”.
“It’s unfortunate that a small number of people threatened to spoil the occasion, however police took a zero-tolerance approach and ensured they were arrested quickly and removed from the area,” she said.
She said the windscreen of a patrol car was also smashed at about 10.15pm on Saturday with police yet to find the person responsible.
Mate Ma’a have been the tournament’s inspirational story as they made a history- making Cup run by toppling New Zealand to finish first in Pool B and then defeating quarter-finalists Lebanon.
Along the way their fans have made plenty of noise as Tonga people have used the occasion to celebrate their community and culture.
However, there have also been incidents of disorderly behaviour during the tournament, including media reports of fights between fans ahead of the Tonga- Samoa World Cup clash.
-NewstalkZB
Featured image: Tongan fans have been out in force after all their country’s games during the Rugby League World Cup. (Photo/ Photosport)
