Tonga win celebrations turn ugly - 53 arrests in South Auckland

November 12, 2017

Police said 53 people were arrested and mass disorder was reported in the Auckland suburb after the game.

The main shopping centre in Otahuhu was overun with sports fans and revellers last night following the historic win of Tonga's League team over New Zealand.

However, celebrations turned to mass disorder, Counties Manukau DCC Supervisor Senior Sergeant Clive Wood said, involving traffic gridlock, drunkeness and violence.

People let off fireworks near a petrol station about 9pm, missiles were thrown at police and roads and footpaths were blocked.

Senior Sergeant Wood said at one stage an ambulance was prevented from getting to a medical emergency by crowds.

People were riding on cars, playing music cheering and showing how proud they were of their team after the historic win.

"These people, who appeared to have no care for anyone’s welfare, didn’t think about the consequences of their actions and I do hope they take time out to reflect on how badly they behaved", he said.

Over 50 police staff had to be redeployed to Otahuhu to take control of the situaton, which resulted in a total of 53 arrests.

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