Police arrested four Tongan rugby league fans last night, after disturbing footage of a violent all-in brawl between Toa Samoa and Tongan league fans on a South Auckland street was posted to social media yesterday.
Police say they responded to an incident last night where four people were arrested following a disorder incident involving Tongan supporters in Otahuhu.
A statement released by police says they have been monitoring an increase in activity around the Otahuhu Town Centre this week from Tongan and Samoan rugby league supporters.
While much of the activity has been peaceful and without incident, the clash between supporters has led to a warning from police for supporters to behave in a more responsible manner.
This warning comes after shocking footage of the brawl was posted to Facebook yesterday, with Tongan and Samoan fans clashing ahead of the Rugby League World Cup game between the two island nations in Hamilton on Sunday.
One video, shows a group of young men brawling in the streets near the the corner of Great South Road and Avenue Road, Otahuhu.
The young men are holding Samoan and Tongan flags, trading blows as onlookers can be heard screaming in the background.
"We want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves, but most importantly we want everyone to be safe.
"We urge supporters to be respectful of the community, local businesses and residents at all times when out in public," says Counties Manukau West Area Commander Inspector Naila Hassan.
Inspector Hassan says the main concern for police is people acting recklessly when travelling in vehicles.
"We've had a few reports of people leaning out of cars or sitting on car bonnets. This risky behaviour is not only illegal but very dangerous."
The Tongan and Toa Samoa rugby league teams are yet to comment on the incident.
SHARE ME