Scandal in Hekari against Stallions match in National Soccer League

An unacceptable attitude happened in the 2-1 win of Hekari United over Tusbab Stallions in their last encounter at PNG National Soccer League in Port Moresby Football Stadium last Saturday (25th Jan).

Hekari United was leveled with the visting side from Madang after goals scored by Patrick Aisa and Stahl Gubag, when the Papua New Guinean international Koriak Upaiga scored a last-minute free kick – watch here – to give the home side their fifth win a row in the league. The atmosphere was high in the stadium with the visiting side receiving a lot of support from the stands, including with Madang locals taking place in the venue with Madang flags and shouting in support of Stallions.

In the celebrations of the winning goal, the 19-year old striker Joseph Joe made obscene gestures towards the supporters. The Madang fans in the stadium were furiours with the behaviour or the young player. In social media certain followers of the Madang club said they would receive Hekari in hostile atmosphere in Madang when they travel to face the same club in the second part of the season, but this time at Laiwaden Oval.

The action by Joseph Joe should not me tolerated and the player must face the consequences of his act; the Stallions fan base have their reasons to be furious, but violence nor a hostile atmosphere is the proper solution. The striker is still very young – 19 years old – and he has still a lot to learn from the game. The situation must be controled by Hekari and NSL boards, avoiding any more bad figures in the future. This is an example not to be followed, the lessons have to taught and so on to keep focusing in the game.