Mum’s ‘disgust’ over devastating Latrell Mitchell photo reaction

The mum of Latrell Mitchell has taken the rare step of going public with her outrage surrounding a photo shared by the NRL star.

Latrell Mitchell’s mum has taken the rare step of confronting “cowards” that are alleged to have posted ugly comments on an image of the Rabbitohs star posted to Facebook.

The injured South Sydney fullback on Saturday shared a cute photo of himself on a quad bike with his 15-month-old son.

However, the photo of the proud dad was blighted with some abusive messages written in the comments section of the post that appeared on the 27-year-old’s Facebook fan page, which has 46,000 members.

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Disgusting comments were posted on this image of Latrell Mitchell with his his son. Photo: Facebook, Latrell Mitchell Fan Page.

Mitchell’s mum Patricia Goolagong has now gone public to share her “disgust” at some of the comments posted in the comments to the photo, which was posted to the fan page with the caption: “Latrell and his gorgeous son”.

“I’m just sick and tired of these cowards and the way they attack my son and make his life a constant misery,” Goolagong told nine.com.au.

“They really make his life hard and then to bring his little boy into it takes it to a whole new level. It just disgusts me and I wish I could confront these cowards face to face and see how brave they are then.”

She said she approached a veteran rugby league reporter after first responding to some Facebook users alleged to have posted the ugly comments.

Her efforts did not stop some Facebook users from continuing to troll the NRL star.

It is far from the only time Mitchell has been the target of disgusting abuse.

The NRL in May banned two spectators for an indefinite period following alleged racial abuse directed at Mitchell and star teammate Cody Walker during a match against the Dragons at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.

He has previously been booed during matches.

It was on display again last month when news of his pre-season hamstring injury resulted in a barrage of ugly messages being posted online.

“You’re heading into year 6 of the Latrell Mitchell experiment and it’s been nothing but suspensions and soft tissue injuries,” one fan wrote online.

“Rumour has it that a Mr Whippy van started up its music as it went past the ground and Latrell broke stride and tore his hammy,” another added.

“Latrell bunging it on again, highest paid non-starter in the league,” a third said.

While a fourth commented: “Latrell was reportedly in the line at KFC when he pulled his hamstring.”

Despite the ongoing online abuse, Mitchell has refused to step away from his social media accounts and has regularly posted photos of himself with his family — which is made up of long-term partner Brielle Mercy, their two daughters and a son born in December, 2023.

NRL supremo Peter V’landys in February issued a public warning over the dangers of social media bullying aimed at the stars of the game, namely Mitchell.

Latrell Mitchell holding his child. Photo: Instagram, @trellmit.

Family is everything to Latrell Mitchell. Photo: Instagram, @trellmit.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman said he would do everything he could to ensure the players were protected and not driven out of the sport.

“Latrell Mitchell is one of the great players in the game and we want him here in our game,” V’landys told Code Sports.

“We want him at his best. We can’t forget he is human at the end of the day.”

But it seems the message has not gotten through.

Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton has now told Nine he applauds Mitchell for continuing to call out the abuse he has received.

“There is no place for it and we’ve worked with the NRL to create a space for players to come forward when they have been abused online - when it’s worse than constructive criticism - and descends into outright abuse,” Newton said.

“The players can report abuse to the integrity unit and they will look into it. When it is brought forward, it will be taken seriously.

“There is no place for personal abuse of players - it’s the lowest form of criticism. The NRLW players actually cop worse abuse than the men so it is very unfortunate. Latrell has been very brave in coming forward to hit out at online abuse.

South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell. Pic: NRL

“Social media is a huge asset to the game and you want the players to be on there expressing their views to the fans - not just in Australia but globally.

“Fans love to follow players so the supporters will be the losers.”

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo also said last year the league will not tolerate spectators abusing players during matches.

“Racism must be called out in all its forms because the standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” Abdo said in a statement.

“Abusive behaviour directed at players will not be tolerated. I commend the fans that acted on this and brought it to our attention.

“With this information we have been able to take action.

“Attending a rugby league match should be a positive, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the experience.”

Originally published as Mum’s ‘disgust’ over devastating Latrell Mitchell photo reaction