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A pitch invader tackles Samoa's Alatasi Tupou - Source: Photosport -
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Organisers were forced to strengthen security on the second day of the sold-out Wellington Sevens, after a pitch invader tackled a player during a game last night.
The man, wearing just his underpants, ran onto the pitch, grabbed Samoan player Alatasi Tupou around the neck and pulled him to the ground.
Security staff restrained him and he was evicted from the Westpac Stadium.
The man has been charged with assault and has been given a trespass notice that prevents him going to any event at the stadium for the next two years.
Samoan team management say they have accepted an apology from Sevens organisers and now want to concentrate on the competition.
Wellington Sevens is live on TV One and live-streamed on tvnz.co.nz, click here
Sevens General Manager Steve Walters said they had reviewed security procedures and brought in an extra 20 security personnel to patrol the pitch area.
"We take this breach of security extremely seriously. It is not acceptable to put players in that position," Hertz Sevens General Manager, Steve Walters said.
"We regret the incident and are disappointed that one person's actions detracted from an otherwise good first day.
Wellington has built a reputation for hosting international sporting events and this mindless act jeopardises the tournament's world class standing."
The pitch invader's arrest was one of eight arrests at last night's game but police say they were impressed with the crowd's behaviour.
A further 28 fans were evicted from the stadium throughout the course of the day - mainly for breaching the liquor ban - and 29 arrests took place when crowds headed to central Wellington.
"When you consider the city's bursting full to occupancy that's not a bad result," said Inspector Simon Perry.
Extra police staff have been brought into Wellington for the weekend to maintain control in the city.
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