Spencer Leniu’s family the victim of racist attacks by online trolls

Sydney Roosters star Spencer Leniu has shut down comments on his social media accounts after his family became caught in the crossfire of the Ezra Mam furore. See the shocking comments.

Sydney Roosters star Spencer Leniu has shut down comments on his social media accounts after his family became the victims of racist attacks in the wake of his clash with Brisbane superstar Ezra Mam.

Leniu, who will face the NRL judiciary next week amid allegations he called Mam a “monkey” last weekend at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, was on the receiving end of a series of vitriolic messages, as were members of his family.

This masthead has seen the vile comments, which have been passed on to the NRL. The disgusting abuse has emerged as the NRL urged players to tone down their public commentary on the incident, which has been referred to the judiciary without a grading.

While the NRL has no issue with players voicing their support for Mam, they are concerned at comments from players in relation to Leniu’s guilt or innocence, as well as the length of any potential ban.

Under NRL rules, players and officials are forbidden from commenting on incidents that are before the judiciary. The NRL rarely enforces the rule but there is a genuine concern that the commentary around Leniu’s clash with Mam has the potential to taint his hearing.

Spencer Leniu’s family has been targeted by online trolls.

The NRL’s move to clamp down on commentary came after Leniu’s agent Joe Nakat appealed to head office, as well as the players union, to step in and stop the onslaught against the Roosters firebrand.

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has been one of the most outspoken players on the issue, using social media to suggest Leniu should miss at least half the season if he is found guilty at the judiciary.

He reiterated on Wednesday his support for Mam and his belief that racism shouldn’t be accepted within the game. There was support for Leniu as well from former Penrith teammate Izack Tago, who claimed it was harsh that people were talking about the case before the Roosters forward had the chance to defend himself.

Spencer Leniu arrives back in Sydney after the Las Vegas game. Picture: Rohan Kelly

LATRELL CHALLENGES NRL

Mitchell has been one of the loudest voices when it comes to the game’s latest racism scandal, backing Mam and suggesting Leniu should miss a large chunk of the season if found guilty.

Mitchell doubled down Wednesday after returning from Souths’ season opening game in Las Vegas, telling reporters at Sydney Airport that his main priority was to show support for Mam.

“For me it’s about making sure Ezra Mam is alright,” Mitchell said.

“I think after the game … it’s stuff that shouldn’t be tolerated and rubbed out of the game. I hope Peter (V’landys) and Andrew Abdo take serious consideration to the way this should be dealt with.

“For me it opens up a lot of wounds and scars for my people and my family. You do have to understand the way we feel.”

The Rabbitohs fullback was the first player to throw his support behind Mam after the Broncos playmaker made an official on-field complaint on Sunday.

Mitchell responded to a social media post that said Leniu should get a heavy ban with the words “And some.”

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell returned to Sydney International Airport on Wednesday. Picture: Tim Hunter.

LENIU FINDS AN OLD ALLY

While Leniu has been on the end of a barrage, he has had some supporters and another emerged on Wednesday as Tago called for a stop to the public pile on before both sides are heard at a fair trial.

While Tago agreed that the game needed to have a conversation about racism, his concern was that people were judging Leniu before the judiciary had the chance to hear his case.

“I think it’s harsh that people are unloading on him and they don’t really know the story and before he’s had the chance to defend himself at the judiciary. He knows who he is,” Tago said.

“I messaged him straight after the game, he seems pretty good. Him being at Penrith for so long, he looked after me a lot and I know what type of bloke he is.”

Aside from Mitchell, fellow indigenous star Nicho Hynes has been among the other prominent figures to show support for Mam and call for the NRL to act swiftly to stamp out racism in the sport.

Spencer Leniu’s former Panthers teammates Izack Tago. Picture: Jonathan Ng

However, Tago is worried emotional public statements will have a negative impact on a fair trial considering there is no audio of the incident at this stage.

He was also concerned about social media trolls targeting Leniu’s account, justifiably so given the comments that were seen by this masthead.

As well as their Penrith connection, Tago and Leniu are Samoan teammates and shared a room together during the Pacific Championships at the end of last year.

“The good thing about Spencer is he knows who he is, it doesn’t matter what anyone says about him,” Tago said.

“For me, he’s an older brother, he’s looked after me heaps.”

Originally published as Spencer Leniu’s family the victim of racist attacks by online trolls