No Room for Violence as PNG Football Supporters Face Criticism

Violence by a handful of supporters during the DE Cup final at Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium has prompted a blunt warning: passion cannot excuse disorder.

The column criticizes fans who allegedly took out their frustration over a team’s loss on people connected to the opposing side. It also rejects claims that the behavior was provoked by supporters of the winning team, calling such explanations inadequate for an incident at a stadium associated with the country’s NRL ambitions.

The writer warns that footage of the incident could be used by overseas critics opposed to the formation of the PNG Chiefs, even before the team takes the field in its first scheduled season in 2028. Stronger leadership from the PNGRFL and PNGNRL, along with effective policing and security arrangements, will be needed, the column says. It also refers to a recent game in Goroka and thanks people who defended opposing supporters or simply observed without joining the violence.

“

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR VIOLENCE IN THE GAME, both on and off the field.

The column then turns to building safety, arguing that regulations exist to protect the public. It says Papua New Guinea follows Australian building regulations and notes the Works Secretary’s warning that developers, including politicians, must follow the rules. New regulations reportedly introduce heavy fines, with court action possible when necessary.

A final section discusses Argentina’s alleged “Fiscal Shackle Law,” described as a measure that would suspend salaries for public officials, from the president to members of Congress, until the budget is balanced. The column presents the proposal as a way to force accountability in public office.

“

ENOUGH!