Prime Minister John Key says fans let themselves down through "loutish" behaviour at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday, but is confident behaviour will be better during next year's rugby World Cup.The newly-renovated park hosted the Four Nations
Prime Minister John Key says fans let themselves down through "loutish" behaviour at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday, but is confident behaviour will be better during next year's rugby World Cup.
The newly-renovated park hosted the Four Nations rugby league tournament and the Australia-New Zealand match was marred by drunken behaviour including bottles being thrown onto the park during play.
"I'm disappointed by what we saw in the weekend, I think it was a double-header which had the opportunity to be a great sporting event but has been unquestionably marred by what we saw, with some loutish behaviour by individuals," Mr Key said.
He said New Zealand often hosted big sporting events, and Saturday's behaviour was the "exception rather than the rule".
"Fans let themselves down on Saturday night, but I don't think that means New Zealand is unable to host a World Cup which will showcase New Zealand at its best."
Mr Key said there were lessons to be learned for the rugby World Cup, but the situation would be different then.
"There won't be double-headers, people will pay more for their tickets and so are less likely to want to be thrown out. There will be implications about their future ability to participate in the rugby World Cup if they are thrown out."
Mr Key said there would also be different rules around alcohol consumption, along with heavy security.
Labour leader Phil Goff said Saturday's behaviour showed the need to ensure spectators at World Cup matches were protected.
"If that sort of behaviour was to happen at the rugby World Cup, it would be incredibly damaging to New Zealand's image," he said.
"Fans should be able to enjoy a few beers at the rugby, but it's important to ensure that everyone at the game has fun without being afraid they'll be hit in the back of the head with a bottle of beer."
Mr Goff said local liquor bans would need to be strongly enforced and security would need beefing up.
"Intoxicated people should not be admitted to the venue and those who behave dangerously must be removed quickly. If authorities can't guarantee that, police have recommended serving beer in plastic cups rather than cans or bottles, which can be used as missiles."
Auckland Mayor Len Brown said he would talk to residents, police and officials about drunken fans, fights and unruly behaviour at Eden Park.
He said while the transport plan around Saturday's games appeared to have worked well, there were questions around the enforcement of the liquor ban in the area surrounding Eden Park.
