Eels star Junior Paulo allegedly faced racist abuse in Newcastle

Parramatta star Junior Paulo appeared to confront a fan who allegedly hurled racist abuse his way, with the NRL investigating.

Allegations have emerged that Parramatta prop Junior Paula was racially abused after the Eels’ defeat to Newcastle last weekend.

The Knights beat Parramatta 34-26 at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night, with Paulo scoring a late try in a result that kept the Eels near the foot of the NRL ladder.

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The Daily Telegraph reports Paulo was then verbally attacked as he left the field after full-time by a disgruntled fan, with a video posted on Instagram from the account clarkeys.rl.column showing the alleged confrontation.

The NRL integrity unit and Venues NSW are understood to be investigating the abuse, with suggestions it was of a racial nature.

Venues NSW confirmed they were reviewing the incident.

“We will use all measures available to identify people involved and will work with the NRL to issue banning notices,” Venues NSW said in a statement.

“There’s zero tolerance for racism in the Venues NSW network.”

The person supposedly responsible for the taunts took off when confronted by fellow patrons.

A man is seen in the video being pushed by a female spectator, but it is unclear who was responsible for making the alleged comments.

The incident comes just weeks after two spectators were banned from attending games indefinitely for racially abusing South Sydney duo Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker during a clash with the Dragons at Jubilee Oval.

The alleged incident occurred after the Eels’ loss to Newcastle. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

Fans were banned for abusing Cody Walker (left) and Latrell Mitchell earlier this season.

On that occasion, a member of the public had reported the incident to a Rabbitohs official and the NRL took swift action.

“Racism must be called out in all its forms because the standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement on May 15.

“Abusive behaviour directed at players will not be tolerated. I commend the fans that acted on this and brought it to our attention.

“With this information we have been able to take action.

“Attending a rugby league match should be a positive, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the experience.”

Originally published as Eels star Junior Paulo allegedly faced racist abuse in Newcastle