One of Papua New Guinea's top rugby league referees was bullied from the field during the final of a pre-season competition in the nation's capital on Saturday.

Tony Kuni made a penalty decision with 20 minutes to go, angering a team sponsor who marched onto the field and ordered the ref off.

Kuni had awarded a penalty to Tia Broncos who were 9-8 ahead and very close to the Lau Rangers' try line.

The crowd and Rangers were not happy and Rangers sponsor David Inugu told Kuni to leave the field.

The ref complied, fearing the angry crowd, and refused to return when asked by embarrassed officials.

The game was aborted when other referees at the ground refused to replace Kuni.

President of the Masta Mak Cup challenge Leo Lahui issued an apology to Kuni and said the game's result would be determined at a meeting next week.

"I would like to apologise to Kuni for the disrespectful behaviour caused by one of our teams in the off season competition," he said.

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