FROM THE BUG’S US BUREAU: Thousands of rioting sports fans are still running out of control over several dozen blocks of central Las Vegas hours after a crowd estimated by local police at least 100,000 became angry at being turned away from the Allegiant Stadium were they expected to see a rugby league match between two Australian NRL teams.

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) told The Bug that the riot had started when the thousands of local residents turned up at the stadium only to be refused entry and told no NRL matches were scheduled.

“That’s when the crowd grew very ugly and started harassing gate staff and setting fire to rubbish bins in protest,” the spokesperson said.

“Things just escalated form there with cars being overturned, windows smashed in nearby buildings, as well as shops and offices being looted.

“At this stage we believe the blame for the riot can be sheeted home directly to the NRL for raising expectations of local games following its recent demonstration weekend of matches at the Allegiant Stadium.”

One of the rioters, Bob Snerd (main picture), confirmed the police speculation.

“I drove all night to get to Vegas from my home in Portland, Oregon, almost 1,000 miles away,” Mr Snerd said. “I only did it because I’d seen the NRL matches in Vegas on TV recently and was hooked.

“I’d never seen anything like it and became a fan straight away. I just assumed NRL teams would be playing here regularly.

“When I went to work the day after the last NRL matches in Vegas a few weeks ago everyone was talking about them and everyone, like me, thought they were a regular feature at the Allegiant Stadium.

“So we clubbed together and hired several buses to make the trip here, only to be very badly disappointed.”

The Bug can confirm that hundreds more rioters were fans from right across the USA who, like Mr Snerd, had been converted to NRL by the recent demonstration matches.

Believing that there would now be regular NRL matches in Las Vegas and possibly elsewhere in the USA, they also arranged for buses to bring them to the city.

Nevada’s Republican Party Governor, Joseph Lombardo, said if the riots did not cease soon he would seek mobilisation of the National Guard.

“At this stage I believe the only sure-fire way to quell the rioting is for the NRL in Australia to meet local demand and announce a full season of matches here in the US,” Mr Lombardo said.

“It’s just cruel and senseless that after their demonstration matches hit such a responsive chord here and clearly raised expectations, that no more games are planned.”

Governor Lombardo said if the NRL did not announce a start to regular matches in Las Vegas and the rioting continued, he would have no choice but to issue orders to state police and the National Guard to use deadly force to end the lawlessness.

“The NRL will have blood on its hands if that happens,” he warned.

Peter V’Landys, chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission, could not be contacted for comment.

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