NRL 2024: Two fans handed indefintie bans after racially abusing Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker
The NRL has dished out bans to two spectators who allegedly racially abused South Sydney stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
The NRL has indefinitely banned two spectators who allegedly abused South Sydney stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker last weekend at Jubilee Stadium.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said racist abuse would not be tolerated in the game and would be dealt with as a priority, issuing the spectators with notices to ban them for an indefinite period under the game’s spectator code of conduct
“Racism must be called out in all its forms because the standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” Abdo said.
“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.
“The Spectator Code of Conduct has been set up specifically to deal with instances like this and we will continue to take action against any patron who displays offensive or anti-social behaviour.
“We have a strong system in place which enables us to deal with these types of comments quickly and decisively. The system also enables other spectators to be confident enough to report inappropriate comments, which in this case has allowed us to act.
“As a game we need to stand with our players and ensure they are treated with respect at all times. We will continue to protect players in their place of work.”
The integrity unit opened an investigation into the incident after being contacted by a member of the public who called out the racist abuse during the Rabbitohs’ game against the Dragons.
The person sent an email to this masthead at the weekend and then reiterated his disgust at the abuse on Tuesday.
They revealed that the incident took place in the upper sections of Jubilee Stadium grandstand, prompting a confrontation.
“The first thing I did was raise a complaint with the usher for our section,” the Rabbitohs supporter said.
“She was really helpful and got a superior involved who again, listening to what had happened saying they would deal with it.”
It is understood that some supporters in the grandstand then turned on the Souths fans who reported the racism, threatening them with physical violence.
“One man stood up four or five rows in front and yelled “come down here so I can bitch slap you,” the Souths fan.
“What really upset me was that me and my group were made to be the villains by the fans and as a result we had to leave as we felt unsafe.”
Following the initial complaint, a second person raised an issue which was investigated by the NRL resulting in a second fan being banned.
South Sydney released a statement backing the NRL’s stance against racism and reiterated that they stood not just against racism in sport, but in society in general.
“We welcome the NRL’s stance and the banning of these two perpetrators,”
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said:
“We applaud the members of the public that stood up and called out this disgraceful behaviour. We hope more people show the bravery that this person has shown to call out racism in an effort to eradicate it from our society.
“We thank the NRL, the St George Illawarra Dragons and New South Wales Police for their efforts on this case.
“We continue to support our players and their families who, unfortunately, still have to face this type of behaviour.
“Racism is archaic, disgusting and will not be tolerated. We call for supporters who attend games to respect all players and their efforts on the field.”
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