THE Police White 7s rugby team has been suspended indefinitely by the Fiji Police Force from participating in any 7s rugby tournament.
The order was issued by the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu yesterday after members of the team were involved in a scuffle during the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s in Nadi on Saturday.
The incident saw Police player Watisoni Sevutia, who is also a Suva rugby rep, threw punches at Raiwasa Taveuni player Manueli Maisamoa, who fell to the ground.
Sevutia was alleged to have continued his assault when Maisamoa was on the ground.
The incident triggered a scuffle between the players which was stopped by match officials and police officers on duty at the ground. Images of the incident had been on media platforms and social media since it happened. Police White was trailing 12-0 in the cup quater-final match when the incident happened
. “Those responsible will be held accountable,” Tudravu said.
“I am extremely disappointed with the actions of those involved because it goes against the principles of why Police are participating in sporting tournaments through Community Policing.
“Police White will not be taking part in 7s tournaments until investigation is done.”
Fiji Rugby Union has also came out strongly against the incident saying it would not condone any violence in rugby.
FRU chief executive officer John O’ Connor said it was really disappointing to have a team such as the Police, to display any form of indiscipline character in public.
“It was a disappointing incident, especially since Police White is part of the Super Sevens Series,” O’Connor said.
