‘Not his normal self’: 17-year-old Indigenous player targeted by racist abuse from adult spectator

A 17-year-old from North Tamworth has been left questioning his future in rugby league after being the target of a disgusting racist remark from an adult spectator at a local league fixture.

North Tamworth's Lachlan Power was the subject of racist abuse at a Group 4 U18s fixture against Kootingal Moonbi. Picture: Contributed

Local footy in NSW has been rocked by another racist crowd incident, this time directed at an Indigenous 17-year-old.

The U18s match between Kootingal Moonbi and North Tamworth was overshadowed by a disgraceful comment allegedly made by a crowd member towards Bears player Lachlan Power.

The alleged comment was made after North Tamworth conceded a try, with a verbal altercation between Power and the spectator culminating in the racist tirade, with Group 4 currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

Lachlan’s mother Holly said the comment left her son distraught and has impacted his day-to-day life.

“The coach could see something was wrong, so they took him off (to the interchange),” she said.

“As soon as Lachlan sat on the bench he burst into tears.

“There was no reason to call him that. Lachlan was heartbroken. He didn’t want to go to school yesterday. He didn’t come out of his room.

“A few of his friends came over to take him for a drive, but he wasn’t his normal self.
“He’s normally outgoing and doing his thing like a normal 17-year-old.

“He’s mentioned stuff like not wanting to play footy anymore. We don’t want this one person ruin his career.”

North Tamworth's Lachlan Power is a proud Indigenous man with a history of community involvement. Picture: Contributed

Seeing the impact the abuse had on her son was heartbreaking for Holly, particularly given how connected to country Lachlan is, including performing acknowledgement of country at his school and local events in the region.

“It’s very hard (to see),” she said.

“He’s my most outgoing child and is so involved with the community. I don’t want him to be ashamed of his culture.”

While not calling for police charges, Holly wants a strong stance to be taken by the league.

“We just want him banned from all matches and grounds in NSW and an apology,” she said.

“If he’s man enough, come up and apologise. We’re not going to condone what has been said and done, but the least he can do is apologise.

“To be honest we don’t want him charged (by police), we just want it to be known. We want people to be aware of what’s happened and what is happening.

“We’re not going to stop until we’re satisfied with the outcome.”

North Tamworth is scheduled to face off with Kootingal Moonbi in a return fixture next month, and Holly hopes the club can acknowledge the incident in public.
“When we play Kootingal again, the least they can do is introduce him as the victim of a racial slur and we’d like him to do an acknowledgment of country before the A-grade.”

The Group 4 board put out a statement on social media condemning the behaviour.

“We have become aware of an incident occurring at Kootingal Recreation Reserve during an Under 18’s game on Friday night, 3rd May 2024,” the statement read.

The North Tamworth player has been rocked by the incident. Picture: File

“Running off the back of #RESPECT Round this weekend, this incident is deeply disappointing. It is very disheartening to hear that this was apart of our wonderful game of rugby league.

“The disrespect that was show to a player, by a spectator, is concerning for all involved.

“We are working very closely with Kootingal Moonbi Rugby League Club to investigate this matter and let it be known that they are being very proactive and cooperative, and stand by NSWRL’s Code of Conduct.

“We do not, and will not tolerate any disrespectful behaviours from players or supporters towards any coaching staff, officials, volunteers or players.

“If you are identified as breaching the NSWRL’s Code of Conduct, then you will be sanctioned appropriately.

“It would be a sad day when the (sic) are no spectators at the game due to crowd abuse.”

Both Kootingal Moonbi and North Tamworth declined to comment.

NSWRL has been contacted for comment.

This incident comes just a week after a disgusting remark was captured on camera at a Macarthur Rugby League fixture at Thirlmere.

Three spectators have been charged after making comments directed at a player of Polynesian descent.