Anthony Mundine delivers blistering late-night attack on Latrell Mitchell

Anthony Mundine has delivered a blistering attack on Latrell Mitchell as a war of words over the NRL’s racism scandal exploded.

Anthony Mundine vs Latrell Mitchell

The feud between Anthony Mundine and Latrell Mitchell has exploded with Mundine delivering a blistering late night attack on the South Sydney superstar.

The war of words kicked off when Mitchell responded to divisive remarks made by the former boxing champion who declared Spencer Leniu’s ‘monkey’ slur to Ezra Mam wasn’t racist.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday night, Mundine, 48, called for Mam to “take it on the chin” and “toughen up” over the slur delivered during the Roosters’ win over the Broncos on Sunday.

Mitchell, 26, didn’t take kindly to the comments and took to social media to put Mundine in his place.

“This what our people get told to do and continue to get told. ‘Be quiet fall in line’,” Mitchell said in an Instagram post referencing Mundine’s video.

“Anyone seen this story and knows any sense of culture that this s**t isn’t the same thing.

“Absolute bulls**t. I don’t agree with this and if you do, Do better.

“Give respect get respect !! Don’t dilute the longest living culture in the world.”

On Friday however Mundine returned fire on the Rabbitohs fullback in a fiery social media post.

Latrell didn’t take kindly to Mundine’s remarks. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Mundine wasn’t going to go away quietly. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“To Latrell, Listen, Let me educate you on a few things that should have been quite apparent to you,” Mundine wrote on Facebook.

“When it came to exposing racism & bigotry in sport, I was the pioneer. I paved the way. In fact, I was giving a voice & standing up for Aboriginal people’s rights when you were still in nappies. I bled for the cause.

“So when I have something to say about racism in sport, I’ve earned the right to say it. Trell, please. Just focus on your footy … you’ve been underperforming far too long & been lucky to have Cody by your side to hold your hand.

“Earn the right to talk before you start trying to disrespect the OG of the game. Remember, despite what you might think, you’re no Greg Inglis & you’re certainly no Anthony Mundine.

“Despite your disrespect, I want you to succeed and excel. Your success fills me with pride & honour, but you need to learn to respect those who paved the way for you.

“Peace, THE MAN.”

The Man clapped back.

Mundine himself faced racism throughout his career, including in 1998 when he was called a “black c**t” by former Bulldog Barry Ward.

Ward was handed a $10,000 fine, which was reduced to $5000 on appeal.

At the time, Mundine said he was “absolutely disgusted” and suggested it may have contributed to his exit from rugby league in 2000.

“Boxing is a very definite option for me and I may just take it up now. Rugby league may be too willing to tolerate racism,” Mundine said at the time.

Mundine walked away from rugby league midway through the 2000 season.

Mundine said Latrell has been a long-time underperformer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Before his war of words with Mundine, Mitchell delivered a powerful message on his Instagram account where he said he “applauds anyone (non indigenous also) for calling racism out”, he wrote, alongside a picture of himself wearing a shirt with the Aboriginal flag.

“Standing up for what you believe in his the hardest thing you could ever do. You will either be hated or loved for doing it.

“Every time I open my mouth about something I’m passionate about I’m tested on it, I am judged on it regardless if it’s not what the public eye views.”

The Rabbitohs fullback ended the post with a #IstandwithEzra hashtag.

The NRL was rocked by the saga after the Las Vegas showcase was overshadowed by the accusations of racism.

After initially labelling it “all fun and games” after the match, Leniu admitted he did use the word “monkey” on-field during the historic fixture and entered a guilty plea to the charge.

He will appear in front of the NRL judiciary next Tuesday, with the panel to determine how long he is out for.

“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress,” Leniu said.

“I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn’t mean it in a racist way. Anyone who knows me knows that’s not who I am.”

Mam was said to be devasted by the slur and rejected a peace offering of a private face-to-face apology from the Roosters new recruit.