Johnathan Thurston. Photo / Supplied
Queensland police fear an outbreak of violence between Maori and Aboriginals after an uncle of rugby league international Johnathan Thurston was murdered at the weekend.
Richard Saunders, 38, was bashed to death when a fight broke out between two groups of men in a southern suburb of Brisbane
about 1am on Saturday.
Up to 70 Aboriginal people gathered when nine men charged with murder appeared in Beenleigh Court this morning, with police deploying more than 40 constables in a bid to diffuse tensions.
Members of the Aboriginal group shouted abuse at a group of Maori as they made their way into court, but there was no violence.
The accused, aged 15-24, were remanded in custody until January 20, when they will face a committal hearing.
Wayne Saunders, uncle of Richard Saunders said "all bets were off" with Maori and other Polynesians.
"These people have no respect for the first nation of this country."
He wanted any Pacific islander convicted of murder deported.
"This is our country and we are no longer safe because of these people. We should send them home," Mr Saunders said.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said it was "yet to be determined" if the violence was racially motivated, but said it could create a flashpoint between the groups.
Thurston put the death to one side to play a big part in Australia's defeat of New Zealand in the League World Cup clash in Sydney on Sunday night.
- NZPA
