Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman said Dunedin police responded to a request for back-up from South Otago officers as they were dealing with ‘‘aggressive patrons at a 21st party at the Toko Rugby Club’’.
There were reports of ‘‘multiple fights’’, Acting Snr Sgt Notman said.
Back-up arrived and the event settled down.
But police were called again, several hours later, to reports of further disorder, he said.
They removed a man ‘‘who received injuries from a bottling’’ and transported him to Dunedin Hospital.
Toko Rugby Football Club seniors president Bradley Frost said he was unaware of the incident until contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
It was a BYO event and the venue was hired out to a Milton resident.
The Toko team played in Clutha that day and, to his knowledge, the event was not affiliated with the rugby club, Mr Frost said.
‘‘Obviously a fraction shocked, to be fair, that that sort of behaviour would be going on.
‘‘It is rather disappointing.’’
There seemed to be a growing lack of respect from younger people, he said.
‘‘It seems to be that we just sort everything out using our fists and be physical about everything, rather than just walking away from situations.
‘‘I’ll ask a couple of questions, now that I’m aware of it.’’
Acting Snr Sgt Notman said no arrests were made and inquiries were continuing.
