NRL 2024: Integrity unit launches investigation into alleged racial abuse of Souths stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker

The NRL has been rocked by racial abuse allegations, with an investigation into an incident involving Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell was allegedly racially abused by a fan on Saturday night. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Rabbitohs have been made aware of alleged racial abuse directed towards Indigenous stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker on Saturday night, with the NRL integrity until now investigating the incident.

The pair were allegedly racially vilified during last weekend’s loss to the Dragons at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, with a member of the public getting in touch with South Sydney and the NRL.

Rabbitohs statement regarding alleged racial vilification of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

STATEMENT: https://t.co/3aur8GLpYppic.twitter.com/3LaWyiLXhn

— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) May 13, 2024

It’s unclear what was said, but it comes just a year after Mitchell was abused by a young spectator at a game in Penrith that resulted in a ban from attending future NRL matches until he apologised and took steps to address his behaviour.

This was Mitchell’s first game back from a three-match suspension, with the fullback scoring twice but coming up with a couple of costly errors as the Rabbitohs slumped to another loss that leaves them at the foot of the table.

The NRL integrity unit is investigating alleged racial abuse directed towards Indigenous stars Latrell Mitchell (pictured) and Cody Walker. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“The 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,” a South Sydney statement read.

“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.”

Mitchell was strong in his support of Brisbane’s Ezra Mam, who was called a “monkey” by Spencer Leniu in Las Vegas that led to the Roosters recruit being banned for eight games earlier this year.

“The NRL integrity unit is aware of those allegations,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley said.

“The NRL takes allegations of that nature very seriously, and the integrity unit is currently investigating them as a matter of priority.

“It’s very disappointing to hear those sorts of allegations made, and the integrity unit will do whatever they can to get to the bottom of it.”