NRL 2024: NRL investigating allegations of verbal attack towards Eels star Junior Paulo in Newcastle

The NRL and Venues NSW are investigating allegations Junior Paulo was on the receiving end of a verbal attack during Parramatta’s loss to the Knights. WATCH THE VIDEO

The NRL and Venues NSW are investigating allegations that Parramatta prop Junior Paulo was on the receiving end of an offensive verbal attack from a disgruntled fan after the Eels’ loss in Newcastle on Saturday night.

It is understood the NRL was informed of the allegations over the weekend and the matter is now in the hands of the integrity unit amid suggestions that it may have been of a racial nature.

The incident compounded a disappointing night for Paulo and the Eels, who were narrowly beaten at McDonald Jones Stadium. This masthead understands that Paulo was verbally attacked by a fan as he made his way off the field after full-time.

The person responsible for the verbal taunt fled when he was confronted by supporters, leaving the NRL integrity unit and Venues NSW to pore over CCTV footage as they look to identify the culprit and then take action against them.

Paulo, it is understood, has declined to make an official complaint but the incident found its way onto the radar of officials at Rugby League Central.

It’s alleged that Junior Paulo was the victim of an offensive remark in Newcastle. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Venues NSW also confirmed that they were working with the NRL to identify the person responsible.

“We will use all measures available to identify people involved, and will work with the NRL to issue banning notices.”

“There’s zero tolerance for racism in the Venues NSW network,” a Venues NSW spokesman said.

The latest incident comes only a matter of weeks after two spectators were handed indefinite ban notices for racially abused South Sydney stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

In that case, the NRL was made aware of the allegations after they were contacted by a fan who was sitting in the vicinity of those responsible.

Originally published as NRL 2024: NRL investigating allegations of verbal attack towards Eels star Junior Paulo in Newcastle