The defending champions took on the NSL newcomers in front of a packed Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae.
The first half was a tight affair with Lae’s enthusiasm countering Hekari’s class and experience and it wasn’t until a minute before half-time that Hekari was able to get ahead thanks to a masterful strike from Nigel Dabingyaba.
Hekari kept up the pressure and their big game experience shone through as Nicholas Muri added a second goal before Raymond Gunemba’s effort silenced the vocal Lae crowd.
With a third of the match remaining, a challenge from Lae captain Kohu Liem on David Muta saw the Hekari captain requiring assistance to leave the pitch, and earned Liem a second yellow and in turn, a red card.
The referee’s decision did not sit well with the home crowd and those watching from outside the fencing reacted by throwing stones onto the field of play.
With time still remaining in the game, the match officials decided to end it early to assure player safety, as well as the safety of the spectators.
It was a disappointing end to the season for the Port Moresby-based club which would have preferred the focus to be on a well-deserved and historic ninth national title, rather than the controversy that ensued.
However, they will now be looking ahead to next season and their seventh consecutive appearance in the OFC Champions League.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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