Twelve players charged for brawl between Fiji and Samoa at Pacific Games nine’s tournament

The aftermath of the ugly brawl between Fiji and Samoa at the Pacific Games nine’s tournament in the Solomon Islands last November continues to unfold, with twelve players now facing charges for their involvement in the shameful incident.

The gold medal match between the two Pacific nations ended in chaos, with players from both teams throwing punches after the final siren, prompting officials to step in and diffuse the situation. Fiji coach Vula Dakuitoga tried to downplay the incident, stating that such altercations are not uncommon in rugby league matches and should be left on the field.

However, nearly five months later, the International Rugby League Federation has handed out suspensions to the players involved. Samoa’s Eseroma Lewer received the harshest punishment with a six-match ban, while his teammates Tupea Elia Matau and Oho Sooialo were suspended for five and four matches respectively. On the Fijian side, Aminio Siga and Ropate Tobe will both miss four games.

The disciplinary actions taken by the governing body serve as a reminder that unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated in the sport. The bans handed out to the players involved in the brawl send a clear message that such actions have consequences and tarnish the spirit of the game.

As both teams look to move on from this incident, it is crucial for players to remember the values of sportsmanship and fair play, and to uphold the integrity of the sport both on and off the field.