League: PNG bids to end violence

PNG league officials are hoping that local players would look to the NRL for ways to improve their conduct. Photo / Getty Images

Footy referees always get a lot of stick for their efforts but in footy-mad Papua New Guinea referees often literally get the stick.

Yesterday's annual clash between the Prime Minister's XIII and PNG's national side, the Kumuls, is another chance for Australian players to experience what footy fever means for those in PNG.

But violence against PNG match officials has become so bad that the PNG rugby league is using the annual clash to promote better behaviour.

PNG Rugby League chairman Albert Veratau admitted violence was holding their local competitions back, especially as they try to enter a team into the NRL competition by 2012.

"Violence is not a problem every weekend but maybe about two. Aggressiveness against the referees or the officials is always there," he said.

The friendly international did not pass without incident. Police fired tear gas and several live rounds as warnings to excited fans who didn't have a ticket but wanted to catch a glimpse of their Aussie heroes, who defeated the Kumuls 42-18.

Veratau said players and fans who worship the NRL should behave in similar fashion.

"None of the NRL guys chase the referees out of the ground or chase the linesman, none of that happens, we don't see that on television.

"If we don't see that in the NRL and high-profile players why are we doing it?" he said.

Poor-quality refereeing often led to fights but the league's greatest difficulty was attracting new referees, he said. "Life is hard enough, to referee and then be chased or punched, why put yourself through that on a weekend?"

- AAP