Tonga rugby league fans have turned out in huge numbers for a second night of protest in Auckland, bringing traffic in the central city to a halt.
On Sunday evening, a crowd marched through the city’s centre protesting Mate Ma’a Tonga’s 20-18 loss to England in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup.
The game ended on a sour note after a last-minute try by Andrew Fifita was denied due to a knock on, prompting complaints that referee Matt Cecchin didn’t have the decision reviewed by the video judge.
A red-and-white-clad group of more than 1000 gathered at Aotea Square for a second day of peaceful protesting on Monday afternoon, singing, chanting “Give us our win” and holding signs reading “We’ve been robbed”.
The crowd later moved to outside the Grand Mercure hotel in the downtown CBD – where the Tongan team is staying.
Some protesters “surfed” on top of cars while wrapped in flags and the sound of horns, cheers and songs boomed throughout the area throughout the night.
While the fans say they don’t expect to change the outcome of the game, they’re calling for an explanation and “the truth”.
“We’ve been asked to bring signs to stress out our concerns towards the win we were robbed of,” organiser John Uele said.
Police said they would send staff as needed.
“Police are keen for the public of Auckland to be able to go about their business, and any ad-hoc celebrations will likely have a large impact on commuters,” Senior Sergeant Matt Rogers said.
Meanwhile, World Cup referees boss Tony Archer has defended the decision to deny Fifita what would have been a game-winning try.
With seconds to go, Fifita lost control of the ball under the pressure of an Elliott Whitehead tackle before regaining it and rolling over the tryline.
“The decision is correct for me and that is he’s affecting a tackle and there was no indicator he was stealing the ball,” Archer told AAP.
“It’s a loose carry, knock on, the referee called it on field.”
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
He did. In an interview Fifita acknowledged the referees decision and said he had no problem with it.
Fred
Guest
Keep telling yourself that Zac. The team has captivated the Tongan nation, you jealous little pest.
Fred
Guest
They are passionate in Tonga "Zac"
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
If they want to protest for their win, I’d say there’s more grounds to be furious at Tupou’s hands... and his trainee, Edrick Lee :P On a side note, congratulations to Gerry Sutton for being awarded the World Cup Final.
Zac Jones
Roar Rookie
Why aren't they passionate in Tonga Fred? It wouldnt be exactly the same as the players and coming from Australia and NZ thats exactly where there fans are?? Surely not..
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Hmmm another November creation & straight on the league threads. Who ever YOU are you've got too much time on your hands
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Because the ones in Tonga were given a public holiday tomorrow by their King, so they're much happier there :)
Terry Tavita
Guest
because they live in nz and prob 99 percent of them are nz citizens
frnq
Guest
Why are they protesting in NZ? why cant they protest in Tonga?
Zac Jones
Roar Rookie
Only in New Zealand Fred because they wouldn't have a clue about it in Tonga! Hows the passionate fans going for the World Stopping final? Do you think you will crack 30k?
Paulo
Roar Rookie
But if they think the right call was made, it doesn't matter if it was reviewed or not. They clearly think it was the wrong call. So even if it was reviewed and the decision upheld, they would still claim they were robbed and it was a conspiracy to keep them out. The fact it wasn't reviewed just gives them a different narrative, but don't let that fool you into thinking they would respectfully accept the decision and move on.
Fred
Guest
I'd say it whoever it was. Seeing sports fans on the streets shows passion.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
It was the correct decision, but what troubles me is that if it had been sent up the video ref was an Englishman -- I won't say he couldn't make an unbiased decision but that'd be an absurd ask of the man, making a game deciding decision in a semi-final involving your home country.
Leslie
Guest
Ye, but a simple explanation from Checcin why he didnt request for a video ref review given the game is on the line at that stage would just be enough to swallow.by the fans.Failure or incompetency on the part of the official has resulted in such backlash across the streets in Auckland. May be a lesson for referees to think about when officiating in games of such nature in future.....
Jimmmy
Guest
As much passion as League haters who just have to comment on League blogs.
twojay
Roar Rookie
As much passion as the Suncorp crowd last week. After all you proudly boasted the semi final in Brisbane would be a sell out.
not so super
Guest
no its not. its childish. you would say that if it was australia
Dave_S
Guest
They might be more comfortable doing it by VCU ...
Oingo Boingo
Guest
No , it actually shows what a spoiled brat mentality the general public now has ... Passion is for at the game , not a two day long post match sulking ceremony .
MAX
Guest
The ARL should send Tony Archer and Matt Cecchin to Auckland to address the Tongans and extend invitations to join the refereeing ranks.