League fans hurl eggs, spit at official

Rugby league referees have voted to blacklist Petone's McKewen Park after fans hurled raw eggs and hamburger buns, and spat at a match official, during a senior premier game.

Three Petone Panthers fans have been asked to appear at a hearing tomorrow where they face being banned from attending all rugby league matches in Wellington.

A new initiative has been introduced that sees home clubs having to supply a security officer – labelled a "club liaison officer" – to try to stop further incidents from occurring at senior games.

Wellington Rugby League general manager Jason Hemson refused to provide the names of the match officials or the fans.

However, he said a touch judge was spat at on Saturday by a Petone fan about 10 minutes before the end of their 14-point home loss against the Wainuiomata Lions at McKewen Park. He was also pelted with raw eggs and hamburger buns by fans during the incident.

The game wasn't called off early because match officials were concerned the move would have further incensed the crowd.

Wellington referees met on Monday night and unanimously voted to stop officiating at senior games at McKewen Park. The action takes effect immediately and will continue into next season.

Mr Hemson called the incident absolutely disgusting. "There was one person who spat at the touch judge and grabbed him, and a number of people who continued to abuse the touch judge and referee.

"Some raw eggs were thrown at the touch judge ... and hamburger buns."

Since then, Mr Hemson has directed clubs to provide security officers to be available from 30 minutes before, and 30 minutes after senior matches. "It is just to ensure that if there is anything the referee needs a hand with, that it can be done by an official from the club."

Match managers already attend senior games. They monitor the behaviour of players, substitutes and coaching staff but not fans, he said.

The Petone club had provided names of the offending fans, who have been asked to appear at tomorrow's judicial hearing, where they could be banned from attending games, Mr Hemson said. "If we have to take out a restraining order to keep them away from rugby league matches, then we will do that."

Petone Rugby League chairman Peter Mellars said Wellington Rugby League was dealing with the issue. He refused to comment further.

Wainuiomata Rugby League chairman Ihipa Smallman did not return messages.

In 2008, Wellington's league referees refused to officiate at Porirua's Ascot Park after a player hurled a bottle at an official after a game between North City Vikings and Te Aroha.

Crowd behaviour at league matches since then had generally been good, Mr Hemson said.

- © Fairfax NZ News