Johnathan Thurston says anyone found guilty of racial abuse should cop an NRL life ban

COWBOYS superstar Johnathan Thurston has a blunt message for how the NRL should treat fans who racially abuse players: “ban them for life”.

Johnathan Thurston talks to the media. Picture: Zak Simmonds

COWBOYS superstar Johnathan Thurston has a blunt message for how the NRL should treat fans who racially abuse players: “ban them for life”.

Thurston’s hard-line stance comes as the NRL’s Integrity Unit investigates an alleged racial taunt against Knights fullback Dane Gagai in an ugly aftermath to last weekend’s Indigenous Round.

Gagai broke down in tears at the end of Sunday’s humiliating 62-0 thrashing by Cronulla when he was allegedly called a “sooky black c ...” by a member of the crowd.

An emotional Gagai is consoled by teammates after the Knights’s loss.

It is understood Gagai, who reportedly lost his grandmother earlier that day, did not hear the comments at the time but has asked the club to look into the incident.

Thurston said he had been fortunate not to experience racial abuse throughout his illustrious career which will reach game number 250 for the Cowboys at 1300SMILES Stadium on Friday night.

Thurston tried to play down questions about his milestone match when speaking with reporters on Tuesday, but the subject of racial discrimination drew a strong response from the proud Indigenous player.

“We don’t need that in society or the game so piss them off,” Thurston said.

“It would be very disappointing if that is true from a game’s point-of-view and just part of society. There’s just no place in society for that type of behaviour. I’m hoping it’s not true.

“There could have been kids around him or her or whoever it was. They don’t need to be hearing that type of abuse.

“Ban them for life. One hundred per cent.”

Johnathan Thurston talks to the media. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Thurston believed the NRL was improving its relationship with the indigenous community through initiatives such as Indigenous Round which highlights the significant social issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Cowboys have also had great success at club level with their Learn Earn Legend! Program which aims to provide Indigenous students with the support they need to move into further study, training, or employment.

Thurston said those great programs were at risk of being undermined unless the NRL took a zero-tolerance policy against racial abuse.

“I know the NRL are certainly doing their part to help close the gap. We’ve got a number of Indigenous programs that are run by all the clubs,” Thurston said.

“We’re seeing great results from that and if we’re seeing poor racial behaviour from any of the fans then I reckon ban them for life.

“We don’t need it in society and we don’t need it in our game.”

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston says anyone found guilty of racial abuse should cop an NRL life ban