Supporters brawl at Auckland rugby match after players sent off

A brawl broke out between supporters of Suburbs and Pakuranga rugby teams on Saturday.
A brawl broke out between supporters of Suburbs and Pakuranga rugby teams on Saturday. Photo credit: Newshub

A fight among about 20 supporters erupted at a West Auckland rugby match on Saturday, leaving some covered in blood. 

The fight reportedly broke out after a player each from Suburbs and Pakuranga were sent off, Stuff reports. 

Supporters of both sides then became involved in the brawl at Shadbolt Park, leaving several men covered in blood, a witness told Stuff. 

Police were called, but by the time they arrived, everyone had left. 

Auckland Rugby told NZME the referee of the game had reported an event had happened after the final whistle was blown. 

Newshub has contacted Suburbs and Pakuranga rugby clubs for comment. 

In 2018, Pakuranga players were involved in a violent incident after a game, when they were attacked by players from Ōtāhuhu. 

Sports photographer Brad James said, when the teams lined up to shake hands, a player from Ōtāhuhu attacked one of the Pakuranga players for no apparent reason. 

The fight later resumed, as the Pakuranga team headed towards the changing rooms and the Ōtāhuhu team attacked again.

One player in the Pakuranga team received several punches to the head.