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League fans should save 'big hits' for the field and 'big love' for the street, says Auckland councillor

November 3, 2017

The former heavyweight boxer has had enough of the pre-match violence from both sides. (Source: Other)

An Auckland councillor is telling league fans to "chill" and to save the "big hits" for the game, rather than in the street. 

It comes after a spate of violent clashes between rugby league fans in Auckland celebrating the World Cup. 

"It's really disappointed for our proud community" Afeso Collins told 1 NEWS. 

He said they were "isolated" cases between some younger people who were "getting way too excited". 

"These are our brothers and our sisters. I feel a great sense of pride personally, both amongst the Tongans and the Samoans, we come from the same sea of islands."

"That's why it's really important for our young people to calm down and take a deep breath."

"It's time now we stood together and we be proud of our players that are taking the field."

Mr Collins' message to fans involved in the clashes was: "The big hits will happen on the field, and it's big love out here on the street."

"We all win at the end of the day. Just chill."

He hoped with "better" planning around formal events the violence could decrease. 

Watch the full story tonight on 1 NEWS at 6pm.

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