| HAMILTON: Blood ran in the streets of Hamilton today, as thousands of Otago Highlanders supporters rampaged through the streets wreaking havoc on all those they encountered. The face painted fans charged through the town centre turning over cars and looting shops as they went. Innocent bystanders were beaten and shot. Ill equipped police could do little to restore order.
While chanting “Otago Highlanders, We are the best” the fans caused chaos on the streets of the Waikato capitol. Many fans carried life size cardboard cut outs of Josh Kronfeld, which were used to beat Chiefs fans and innocent bystanders alike. Many Hamiltonians were thought to have died as a direct result of the beatings. Many more were killed or maimed after being struck on the head with the full stubbies of Speights being hurled by the blood-thirsty southern men on their way to watch the Highlanders play the Waikato Chiefs at Waikato Stadium. This latest incident is thought to be the worst instance of inter-franchise violence in the bloody history of the Super 12 competition. Calls have been made for security to be beefed up for future matches and measures such as the screening of supporters at airports being introduced for away games. The violence had little effect on what turned out to be an exciting match with the Highlanders going on to beat the Chiefs 29-16. |
| Otago fans massacre 300 in bloody inter-franchise violence |
Thursday, 01 May 2003 12:00
