Extra police on patrol for Samoa vs Tonga game

Extra police on patrol for Samoa vs Tonga game
Photo credit: Newshub.

Extra police will be on the streets of south Auckland, hoping to curb any unrest after Saturday night's game.

It follows days of tensions between Samoan and Tongan fans.

Tongan and Samoan fans were again on the streets of south Auckland on Friday night. Most carried flags; others lit fireworks, all while a heavy police presence watched on. 

In Otara up to 400 people gathered throughout the night. Officers blocked the street and tried to move rowdy supporters away.

While some heeded warnings, others pushed back. 

One group of Samoan fans didn't want to budge and instead walked right up to police and broke into song. 

"There was a small number that got a bit carried away, moving onto the road with their flags hindering some of the traffic, so we've just had to move them on," said Inspector Jared Pirret. 

Police said three people were arrested in Otara, and others had items confiscated. 

"We've just taken a couple of the poles for the flags. They get waved around and they knock people and can be quite intimidating," said Insp Pirret.

One suburb over, in Mangere, there was a similar gathering of up to 250 people. Police said another three people were also arrested for disorder.

Officers would be out in force again on Saturday night, because what they didn't want was more clashes.

On Saturday afternoon fans were united while boarding busses from Mangere to the game in Hamilton. 

"We are family. We have love for Samoa and love for Tonga... the same," said one fan. 

"We're all islanders so let's have a good game," said another.  

The fans were just about to hit the road and things were pretty positive. There were supporters from both teams on board and they all said no matter what the result on Saturday night everyone was out to celebrate.

"We're going down with a real celebratory attitude and I think that's what's most important here... What's happened in the past couple of days is a few hoons really who spoilt it for everybody," said Manukau Ward Councillor Efeso Collins.

They were "hoons" who community leaders hope will learn from the behaviour of fans like these. 

Newshub.