Police will not tolerate any of their rugby players who fail to abide by any tournament rules.

This was the comment of the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu following a brawl involving Police White and the Raiwasa Taveuni players.

The incident occurred during the Cup quarterfinal of the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.

“Any involvement of a Police rugby player in such incidents and not abiding by tournament rules will be looked into,” Tudravu said.

Tournament coordinator Jeff Tamata said it was unfortunate that the incident happened.

“Also that it involved Police White since they are a very experienced team and had been prominent in the local rugby circles,” he said.

“This sort of thing is expected in tense matches as players sometimes lose their temper. So we’ve suspended the two players from the tournament but not the team.”

When approached Raiwasa Taveuni manager Seba Vulakoro said what had transpired was just shameful for the sport.

The incident occurred in the second half when Police White’s Watisoni Sevutia was alleged to have punched a Raiwasa Taveuni forward, Manueli Maisamoa, several times while he was on the ground.

This resulted in tempers flaring but quick action by Police officers on the ground was able to defuse the situation.

Sevutia and his team-mate Mesake Varo were red carded.

During the clash, four yellow cards were flashed to Police White’s Ifereimi Tovilevu, Viliame Tivau, Meli Kurisaru while Tomasi Balai of Raiwasa Taveuni also got one.