Peter V’landys promises action after racist taunting of Brent Naden

Peter V’landys has vowed “action will be swift and hard” after ugly racial abuse allegations were directed at Penrith winger Brent Naden.

Penrith winger Josh Mansour struggles with the Warriors defence at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford. Picture: Getty Images

Peter V’landys has vowed “action will be swift and hard” after ugly racial abuse allegations directed at Penrith winger Brent Naden overshadowed a record-breaking ninth straight victory for the NRL competition leaders in Gosford.

Eight spectators were thrown out of Central Coast Stadium for yelling alleged racist abuse during the first half of Friday’s NRL game between Penrith and the Warriors.

Fox League’s sideline commentator Steve Roach revealed Panthers winger Brent Naden was targeted with racial slurs. Naden scored the opening try of the game for the Panthers.

Naden, an indigenous Australian, reported the comments to a Penrith trainer and Fox League will hand vision over to police to investigate.

“Guys, there’s been a bit of racial abuse down here on the sideline,” Roach said. “A couple of fans have been giving it to Brent Naden, they’ve been escorted out of the ground.”

The ARL Commission chairman was quick to jump on the claims after the Panthers defeated the Warriors 18-12.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

It was a disgusting lowlight in what was otherwise an absorbing performance, with the Panthers reclaiming the top spot.

V’landys was furious.

“Racial abuse will not be tolerated in the game under any circumstances and we will take the strongest action possible once we have the facts,” V’landys said. “It’s not clear what was said yet.

“However our action will be swift and hard.”

Warriors chief executive Cameron George also condemned the behaviour.

Penrith’s Brent Naden reported the alleged abuse to a club trainer Picture: Getty Images

“We do not condone any racial remarks towards anyone playing rugby league or in general and we completely support a tough stance against such behaviour,” said George. “The New Zealand Warriors embrace all cultures and race and proudly promote inclusiveness of all cultures and race in our great game.”

The NRL will now investigate the incident with the offending fans certain to face long bans.

The NRL’s acting CEO Andrew Abdo said racism and vilification will not be tolerated.

“Any fan found to have racially abused a player or another fan will not be welcome at our games,” said Abdo.

The Panthers were near perfect in the first half. The second half not so much. But ultimately two competition points is what it is all about and Penrith rack them up by the week. That was their ninth straight win, having not lost since going down to Parramatta 16-10 back in round five.

Once again the Panthers didn’t concede a single point in the opening quarter for the 13th straight match to lead 16-6 at halftime.

Police and security eject fans at Central Coast Stadium on Friday night

It came on the back of a massive 68 per cent of possession with Nathan Cleary producing another masterclass with a poise and patience that just defies his 22 years.

He produced restart after restart with an incredibly composed kicking game also set up the first try for Naden with a beautiful cut-out ball.

Koroisau then beat four defenders off a dummy half scoot to score, while Edwards bagged the other first half try off a Josh Mansour kick.

While they couldn’t make it three wins on the trot, the Warriors sure were brave.

Backing up from consecutive wins against Manly and Wests Tigers, they pushed the Panthers right until the final siren.

Since the departure of Stephen Kearney, the Warriors have really shown tremendous character under Todd Payten.

The second half was a totally committed performance from both teams, with the Warriors scoring through Patrick Herbert to keep their hopes alive.

Cleary nailed a penalty shot to make the final margin six points.