Spectators storm field, match stopped

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 15 March 2025, 9:00PM

The referee called off the main match for the Taula Apia Rugby Union weekly competition between Moataa and Letogo for safety reasons as spectators stormed the field. 

It was during the first ten minutes of the second half that the decision was made after Moataa secured their second try of the match.

Letogo spectators made their way into the field after the referee blew his whistle to confirm the try secured by Moataa at the far right of the field. The match officials along with the linesmen walked out of the field as spectators started walking into the field.

The match official in charge, Faleolo Faleolo was reluctant to comment on his decision to stop the match. However, some spectators were disappointed as the match was going very well, and people had to ruin it.


"I am honestly very sad that the match had to be put to a stop, just because some people lack discipline. It's also disappointing that it was stopped not because of the players but the spectators," said Atoa Tomasi, a spectator. 

"These people who come to watch do not know how hard these boys trained throughout the week just so they can have a chance to represent their village and rugby clubs. I feel sorry for the Letogo team, they did so well, they put on quite a tough game for Moataa, and yet their spectators just cannot control themselves. And, who knows, this might be their only chance of having a shot at the shield."

The shield remains with Moataa, as they were leading when the referee decided to stop the match due to an unsafe environment. The Taula Apia Rugby Union has zero tolerance for violence in rugby. 

As people started leaving the field, people were calling out to the referee officiating the game. Some of the spectators suggested having police present at the field during the matches. 


"I thought this kind of behaviour isn't around anymore. Perhaps this could be a call for the police to be present to avoid these spectators acting like kids during the matches. I was enjoying this match as it was a tough one between the two teams, but I was upset when it ended just because some people aren't mature enough to control themselves," said Atonio Taupule, another spectator.

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 15 March 2025, 9:00PM
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