NRL 2022: Newcastle Knights investigating racism allegation against club staffer

Newcastle has been left reeling from another developing crisis with the Knights investigating a racism allegation against a staffer.

Newcastle Knights. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Newcastle’s woes have deepened after it emerged the club was investigating a racism allegation against a member of club’s lower grade staff.

The Knights confirmed they were taking the matter seriously after a complaint was made by a player.

The Newcastle Herald reported that the complaint was made after an indigenous player was told to “stop playing like a blackfella and get back to structure”.

The racism claim has nothing to do with the ongoing dramas at the club involving star forward David Klemmer and trainer Hayden Knowles.

Club officials were meeting on Friday morning in an attempt to resolve the spat between Klemmer and Knowles, which happened last weekend after the pair clashed on the field and then again off it.

The club’s human resources department became involved, leaving the club with no choice but to stand down Klemmer while they investigated the allegations and attempted to formulate an outcome.

It is understood the issue is close to a resolution which could see Klemmer, the club’s best player this season, training again next week and available for selection in round 22.