16/08/2026
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Unofficial Match Report From Eye Withness at PNG National Sports Institute ‼️.
Here is the recount of what had happened during the match between the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Port Moresby Vipers.
The match went really well during the first half with close scores. However, during the second half, there has been several controversial calls by the referee. As the result the Bintangor franchise spend the good chunk of the early second half defending their try line.
The supporters exploded with frustration when a bizarre call was made by the reff to sin bin Lahanis number 8. According the officials it was a punch after the tackle was made but according to many supporters and coaching staff the call was wrong. Even the water boy and the captain protest but the reff ignored them. Now mind you, the Lahanis supporters are one of the most disciplined in the Highlands but this is a call that really shook them and did not seat well with the supporters. They have respect such calls all year but I think at this point they are allowed to express their frustrations. But not to that extreme of what transpired today.
After the decesion was made fans started throwing empty containers, tins and buai skins at the officials (onto the field). After a brief hold up, the games was allowed to continue with occasional throwing of staff into the field during the final minutes of the second half. Both of them scored one try each and the full time siren rang with Lahanis trailing by 22 points and Vipers leading with 24 points.
What happened after the final ho**er was uncalled for. However, it was the boil over of the build up frustration over the season. Goroka supporters have been one of the best and fair to support any teams that come and play in Goroka but, the unfair call from the officials have cause the fans to behave this way. Not all the spactators who rushed onto the field went to attack the officials, some of the supporters went to protact the Vipers team, celebrate and take pictures with them.
I really think improvement must be made to officiate the game to avoid such incidents if the game want to be bigger and better in PNG. Otherwise you will not expect or blame the spactators for behave this way.
I have full video of the incident that happen after the final whistle but I chose not to upload it. That is to protect the image of my Province and my team.
My sincere apologies to the officials, the Vipers team and whoever is affected by the unfortunate situation.
Neneve‼️
Peace ✌️