NRL 2020: Mitchell Barnett interviewed by NRL Integrity unit over claims he racially abused Tyrone Peachey
Newcastle forward Mitchell Barnett has faced NRL Integrity Unit investigators over allegations he racially abused Titans player Tyrone Peachey, claims Barnett has denied.
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A decision around Titans star Tyrone Peachey’s racism allegations is hoped to be made by the end of the week as the NRL Integrity Unit ramps up its investigation.
The explosive racism scandal in the final week of the NRL season stemmed from the Titans 36-6 thrashing of Newcastle on Friday night, in which Mitchell Barnett is alleged to have called Peachey a “black c---”.
Investigators interviewed Barnett on Saturday and were expected to speak with Peachey on Sunday, however the outcome is yet to be decided.
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It is understood teammates of both players involved could also be interviewed.
Newcastle have said Barnett denied the allegations and reached out to Peachey after the game.
However, Peachey said he felt obliged to speak out about the incident to shine a light on unacceptable remarks.
“I am a proud Wiradjuri man and his comments are not acceptable,” he said over the weekend.
“I need to be a role model to young Indigenous kids and for my two daughters and make sure they know it’s not OK to let people say those remarks.
“I know exactly what I heard and that’s why I reacted the way I did.
“It can be put down to ignorance, heat of the competition or lack of education.
“Either way, I won’t stand for it.
“Barnett could have called me anything else and it wouldn’t have bothered me, but for him to say what he said, I want him and everyone else to know that those things are not OK to say.”
Barnett faces serious penalties if found guilty, including fines or a suspension, ahead of their clash with South Sydney in next weekend’s first round of the NRL finals.
“I’m making a statement in hope to educate and to make sure others know it’s not ok and to call out racism.”
It comes just a week after the NRL Integrity Unit completed their investigation into racist comments made towards Penrith Panthers outside back Brent Naden.
The NRL organised a phone hook up between Naden and one of the spectators involved in the incident, which occurred in Round 14 at Central Coast Stadium.
Naden accepted the fans’ apology and an education program was offered to those involved.
Peachey, 29, has played four games for the Indigenous All Stars and made three appearances for NSW in the 2018 State of Origin series.
Peachey made the allegations to referee Chris Sutton late in the game when microphones picked up the Titans lock saying: “that backrower just called me a black c***”.
Video footage of the alleged incident shows Peachey reacting after being tackled by Barnett.
Sutton asked Peachey if he wanted to make a formal complaint at the time, but the Titans player declined and walked away.
However that will not be the end of the matter, with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo promising to investigate the incident.
“We are an inclusive sport and we pride ourselves on our diversity,” he said.
“I have requested the NRL Integrity Unit investigate the allegations as a matter of urgency.
“We will speak to all parties involved in order to get to the bottom of the allegations and ensure a fair and respectful process for all.
“Player welfare is our absolute priority. We will do everything we can to make sure our players feel safe and supported.
“Any form of racism or vilification will not be tolerated in our game.”
The Knights released a statement claiming Barnett denied the allegations.
“The player accused of these comments denies making any racial remarks or slurs,” the club said.
“The club is conducting its own investigation into the claims and working alongside the NRL integrity unit.
“Racism and vilification have no place in the game and as a club, the Knights support a tough stance against anyone who feels that sort of behaviour is acceptable. Rugby League brings communities and cultures together as an inclusive sport.
“The club has been in dialogue with the Titans overnight and the two players involved in the alleged incident have also spoken.”
While Peachey was initially reluctant to pursue the matter, the Titans have thrown their support behind him.
“Our immediate focus is Tyrone Peachey as the impact of an event like this can have a toll on the individual. Tyrone has our absolute support,’’ said Titans CEO Steve Mitchell.
“We’re extremely proud of our Indigenous heritage. The Titans have the highest number of Indigenous players in our top 30 roster of any club in the NRL. The contribution of Indigenous players to our club both on and off the field cannot be understated.
“We as a club are committed to eliminating discrimination from our game, and do not stand for any sort of harassment, bullying and victimisation.”