Extra security after Turbos game brawl

Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive John Knowles says security will be stepped up for remaining Turbos' home games after an ugly post-match brawl.

Yesterday, Mr Knowles reviewed footage of the incident on the embankment side of FMG Stadium after Manawatu's win over Wellington on Saturday.

He said the union had identified four people who incited the brawl that involved up to 20 people.

"We are just trying to get a name to the people. We've had a talk to the police and a talk to the security," he said.

"We will tell them we don't want to see them again this season. We've got enough evidence there to do that."

Emails to the Manawatu Standard from people at the game raised concerns about the number of security guards in the area.

Five guards were taken away from where the fight took place because they had to go on the field and apprehend people who invaded the pitch when the Turbos scored.

Mr Knowles said it was a "fine balance" between having enough security and having too many.

He had dropped the number of guards from 50 to about 30.

"We acknowledge we cut back the number of security.

"We'll put some extra guards in that particular area of the crowd, that's for sure."

An increased police presence could be expected when the Turbos play Auckland on Friday September 17.

Mr Knowles said there were other unmarked security guards within the ground too.

Acting Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund, of the Palmerston North Police, said it was important to avoid a repeat of Saturday's incident.

"The police would be concerned about the behaviour shown at the last Turbos home game and would positively police such actions in the future," he said.

"The police would now be considering what resources would be needed for future Manawatu Turbos rugby fixtures."

The incident, which flared up as Asaeli Tikoirotuma flew away for a try to secure the 36-24 win over Wellington, happened in front of children and innocent parties were caught in the fracas.

Cherie Tamihana was right next to brawl as it broke out and said it was a dangerous place to be considering there were also elderly people in the vicinity.

"It just went into the mosh pit, you couldn't get to the side, you couldn't get anywhere. There were punches being thrown left, right and centre," she said.

"It certainly put the sh..s up me. I'm not really into violence.

"It was pretty full on."

Miss Tamihana said while there were two security guards caught in the middle trying to stop the fight, she saw two others standing by and watching the events unfold.

- © Fairfax NZ News