Brawl Garners More Controversy

A brawl outside a Suva night­club early on Sunday morn­ing has sparked heated debates on social media, with many questioning who is at fault.

The viral incident involved in­toxicated members of the Vusu Raiders Rugby League Club from Namatakula, Nadroga, allegedly assaulted by nightclub bouncers.

Six players were hospitalised, with three admitted at the Sigatoka Hospital and three at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirmed two of the players at CWMH re­mained unconscious, while the third was in stable condition.

Akuila Masi, the manager of Vusu Raiders Rugby League club, refrained from filing a formal com­plaint, saying the matter was under police investigation.

However, he condemned the ac­tions of the nightclub bouncers'.

"The way they handled the situation by smashing chairs on them and kicking one of them with a safety boot is uncalled for," Mr Masi said.

He also requested privacy for the victims and their families as police investigations continue.

The brawl may hinder the Suva Retailers Association's request to extend nightclub hours.

Association president Jitesh Patel said they planned to submit a formal application for extended hours on Christmas eve and New Year's eve next year.

However, he expressed confidence in the abilites of the police to thor­oughly investigate the incident.

"I was not aware of the brawl as I was in the Western Division, but I am counting on the police for a full investigation," Mr Patel said.

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