Latrell Mitchell declares he won’t meet with banned fan

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has put one of the ugliest sagas of the season behind him ahead of Magic Round in Brisbane.

NRL 2023 RD09 Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs - Latrell Mitchell NRL PHOTOS

Latrell Mitchell has declared he won’t meet in person with the fan that racially abused him at BlueBet Stadium in Round 2.

At half time of the clash against Penrith, Mitchell was the target of a racial slur as he made his way up the players’ tunnel.

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Mitchell walked back up the tunnel to ask the fan to repeat what he said, as teammates and Penrith players alike gathered around to support him.

Following both a police and NRL investigation, the governing body confirmed earlier this week that it had banned the teenager subject to an apology and further education.

“The NRL confirmed today it had issued a notice intending to ban a spectator from attending NRL events until such time as the young person can establish that sufficient steps have been taken to address their behaviour.”

“These steps will include apologising and completing appropriate training and education in respectful behaviour and cultural awareness.”

Mitchell told 10 News he didn’t intend to meet the fan should an apology be forthcoming.

“Nah, I don’t think I should give them the time of day,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is looking to move on from the racism saga. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Mitchell told news.com.au that the process of the fan’s return to football didn’t concern him specifically.

“That’s not for me to focus on,” he said.

“For him … he might go through the protocols and whatever the NRL need … to be honest, I don’t really want to comment on it, it’s dealt with and I’m happy with the result.

“Just hopefully it sends a strong message now and continues to have that knock-on effect, if anyone’s going to say what they think they’ve got to say, it should be called out and (they should) be accountable for their actions.

“I’m just sending the message out to anyone out there that can hear it, that experiences it, that sees it in the public, in the crowd, at games, to make sure you get an official, and I’ll back you.

“No worries.”

Pressed on what he thought the endemic nature of racism said about the state of the nation, Mitchell was tight-lipped.

“I could be honest, but I won’t,” he said with a laugh.

Mobbed by young fans in Brisbane ahead of Magic Round, Mitchell said the attention and love he receives particularly from young Indigenous fans was humbling.

“It’s very special,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it to be honest. It’s very humbling.”

Mitchell is a fan of the AFL and Dustin Martin’s Richmond Tigers, and after the AFL’s Gather Round in Adelaide earlier this year, reflected on and compared the NRL’s original concept, in its fourth iteration this weekend.

“I think (Gather Round) was a success, obviously by watching it, I love Richmond, so hopefully they can get a few wins on the board, but it’s a great initiative for (both codes) and just generating interest,” he said.

“I think playing at one ground, everyone can just see it there and pack a stadium out – that’s what players want.

“I think it’s enjoyable to watch – Magic Round’s awesome. There’s a buzz around the city.”

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell declares he won’t meet with banned fan