Vow shambles' at Eden Park won't be repeated

The unruly behaviour appalled many league fans. Photo / Richard Robinson

Police and Eden Park officials have vowed to enforce liquor bans better following the "shambles" at the back-to-back rugby league tests.

Fans fighting, throwing hundreds of plastic bottles onto the field and booing the Australian national anthem at the November 7 match left some people swearing they would never return to Eden Park.

The night was supposed to be a run-through for the Rugby World Cup tournament next year.

Eden Park CEO David Kennedy said one of the bigger issues addressed was the liquor ban in the streets around the stadium.

"It wasn't sufficiently communicated ... Improving the level of communication about the ban is very important so people know it's in place and it's being enforced. That night won't be repeated."

Eden Park Neighbours Association president Mark Donnelly, who had slammed the night as a shambles, said one of residents' main worries were drunken and unruly fans.

"One of the biggest issues with the night was the liquor ban, and the lack of signage and awareness of it. We've all agreed that needs to change.

"It's very reassuring to know that our issues are being listened to."

A community liaison meeting this week was the first since the rugby league double-header, and representatives from Eden Park, the neighbours' association, the police, Auckland Transport and the Auckland Council discussed the liquor ban and transport.

Mr Kennedy said the debrief was very constructive and positive.

Drunks a big worry at cup

Drunk rugby hooligans are more of a threat to the Rugby World Cup next year than al Qaeda, police have told MPs.

The force is planning for everything from a major terrorist attack to alcohol abuse, Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope told Parliament's law and order select committee yesterday.

"Some of the more difficult issues, I think that we all would understand, is around alcohol management."

Alcohol would be a factor before, during and after the games as well as in the many fan zones planned around the country.

Transport, particularly in Auckland, would also be an issue, Mr Pope said.

"[We want to] ensure that we play our part in a safe and, hopefully, very enjoyable tournament."

While the threat of a terrorist attack was low, he said, police were capable of scaling up their response quickly if needed.