Footage appearing to show a Samoan flag being burned has triggered outrage after Tonga’s dramatic Rugby League World Cup victory over its Pacific rival, with calls growing for an apology from the Tongan government.
Tonga edged Samoa 20-18 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Sunday after Addin Fonua-Blake crossed for the decisive try in the 73rd minute of a bruising contest.
The victory booked Tonga a semi-final against New Zealand, while Samoa will meet Australia. Both teams remain in the hunt for the Rugby League World Cup, raising the possibility of another Tonga-Samoa showdown in the final.
Few international rugby league fixtures carry more emotion. Tonga’s Sipi Tau and Samoa’s Siva Tau traditionally set the tone for a rivalry shaped by national pride, shared cultural ties and passionate support throughout Pacific communities.
However, video footage has now emerged showing two young people allegedly burning a Samoan flag after the match. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, with fans urged to respect their neighbours regardless of the result on the field.
The video appears to show two children setting fire to a Samoan flag beneath the caption Tokoua koe kau toa koaa – you are the only heroes – accompanied by three laughing emojis.
A still from footage appearing to show children setting a Samoan flag alight after the Rugby League World Cup clash with Tonga
Samoan supporters expressed hurt and anger over the footage and called for greater respect from their rivals
Tonga and Samoa have developed one of international rugby league’s fiercest rivalries
Facebook user Aloisia Tuukaelaua Vake, who identified those involved as Tongan children, called on their parents to act and urged the government to issue an apology.
“Tongan parents, please raise your children properly. They should never be disrespectful towards any country’s flag, no matter what,” she wrote.
“I woke up to a video on social media showing two Tongan children burning the Samoan flag after last night’s game, and it made me furious.
“This behaviour is absolutely disrespectful and disgusting. I believe there should be serious consequences for such actions.”
Vake said the incident had reflected poorly on Tonga and demanded a public response.
“The Tongan government and the parents of these children should make a video apologising to Samoa,” she wrote.
Although the rivalry can become intense on the field, the players show respect for one another after the match
Other commenters condemned the behaviour while appealing for unity between two nations whose sporting rivalry exists alongside close family and community bonds.
“It’s truly disappointing to see this happen. A flag deserves respect, no matter which country it represents,” one person wrote.
“However, please don’t let the actions of a few children divide our beautiful Pacific family.
“Tonga and Samoa share more than just an ocean – we share history, blood and deep love. Let’s teach respect rather than create further division.”
Another commenter said adults were responsible for teaching children the difference between celebrating their own country and showing contempt for another.
“Respect for every nation and its flag should be taught from a young age,” they wrote.
Tonga secured a narrow victory over Samoa after Addin Fonua-Blake scored a late try
“Children need guidance, discipline and positive examples from adults. We can be proud of our own country while still respecting others.”
One commenter highlighted the history and generations represented by a national flag.
“Burning a flag does not diminish a country or erase its history. It only shows the level of disrespect of the person setting it alight,” they wrote.
Perhaps the most striking response came from a supporter who identified as Samoan and described stopping beside a busy highway to retrieve a fallen Tongan flag.
The commenter said they were driving to collect their daughter from work when they spotted the flag, pulled over and picked it up.
Believing it had fallen from a family’s car, they folded it and placed it on their dashboard.
Samoa will face Australia in the semi-finals and could meet Tonga again if both teams reach the final
They then promised to fly it alongside their Samoan flag on the roof of their ute.
“Win or lose, we have to learn to respect other nations,” they wrote.
The backlash came after a match that also underlined the extraordinary reach and passion of the Tonga-Samoa rivalry.
The game attracted the biggest crowd for any sporting event at the new Parramatta Stadium, while supporters held pre-match parades as far away as Houston, Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
Join the discussion
What should be done when sports rivalry turns into disrespect between nations?
