NSW Police and NRL investigates alleged racial abuse towards Souths duo Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker

NSW Police have joined the NRL integrity unit is investigating allegations that Souths stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were racially abused in their side’s game against the Dragons.

South Sydney's Latrell Mitchell. NRL Imagery

NSW Police have joined the NRL integrity unit in investigating allegations that Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were the targets of racial abuse during their game against St George Illawarra at the weekend.

NSW Police released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming they had commenced inquiries into the alleged incident, which happened during the Rabbitohs’ loss to the Dragons on Saturday night at Jubilee Stadium.

It follows revelations by this masthead that the NRL had been contacted by a member of the public after Mitchell and Walker were targeted with racial abuse.

Souths, the Dragons and venue authorities are also working with the NRL as part of the investigation. This masthead was sent an email on Saturday night outlining the allegations, which are now in the hands of the NRL.

“I attended the Dragons Rabbitohs game, where the people sitting behind me were continually racist all game at Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker,” the person wrote.

“They said “Latrell is like Mundine and the rest of them a black winger that needs to learn to shut up”.

“After the 5th occasion, I called the man out when he said Latrell was a ‘black bastard’ and when I asked him to stop he said ‘why should I’, ‘it’s my opinion’ and he continued to repeat it.

The NRL is investigating allegations of racial abuse towards Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I then called security and he asked the man what he said. The man admitted to saying “black bastard” and more.

“The security then said to me ‘so what he didn’t say it to you’. The man that was racist then proceeded to leave the ground and I begged the security guard to get his details off him before he left.”

The person said he then reported the incident to police.

“I ran to grab police, who looked for the man but couldn’t find him,” he wrote.

It is understood the NRL integrity unit has details of seat number and spoke to the witness on Monday morning to get their version of events.

“The NRL integrity unit is aware of the allegations,” an NRL spokesperson said.

“The NRL takes these allegations seriously and is looking into them as a matter of priority.”

It was Latrell Mitchell’s first game back from suspension. Picture: NRL Imagery

The NRL was informed on Sunday afternoon of the allegations and the integrity unit began immediate inquiries as they attempted to identify those responsible.

It is understood Mitchell and Walker did not hear the comments. South Sydney confirmed they were aware of the allegations.

“South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of an allegation of racial vilification towards players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker which is alleged to have occurred during the Rabbitohs vs Dragons match at Kogarah’s Jubilee Stadium on Saturday night,” the Rabbitohs said in a statement.

“The Rabbitohs were informed of the incident by a member of the public as well as the NRL. The NRL has confirmed the NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter.

“The Rabbitohs stand in condemnation of any form of racism in our sport, and society in general, and will support the NRL’s investigation in any way possible.”

The Dragons confirmed they had been made aware of the allegations and were working with the NRL and the venue.