The NRL has opted not to impose a life ban on attending games on the teenage spectator who allegedly racially abused Latrell Mitchell, although he won’t be allowed back until he apologises and takes steps to address his behaviour.
The young fan, who was wearing a Roosters jersey when he allegedly abused Mitchell during a game against Penrith in March, fled the scene after the incident. The NRL’s integrity unit completed its investigation after NSW Police issued the teen with a warning.
“The NRL confirmed today it had issued a notice intending to ban a spectator from attending NRL events until such time as the young person can establish that sufficient steps have been taken to address their behaviour,” the NRL said in a statement.
“These steps will include apologising and completing appropriate training and education in respectful behaviour and cultural awareness.
Latrell Mitchell has always taken a strong stance against racism.Credit: Getty
“The NRL thanks Latrell Mitchell for reporting this matter and reaffirms that no form of vilification will be tolerated in rugby league.”
The spectator has five business days to respond to the notice. The Panthers released a statement supporting Mitchell and the NRL’s decision.
It’s not the first time Mitchell has been the target of alleged racial abuse. His close friend and future club teammate, Raiders star Jack Wighton, also recently called out a racial slur directed at him via social media.
Speaking moments after the incident at BlueBet Stadium, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou called for a life ban.
“Where does it end? It’s just not on. I shouldn’t have to come here as a coach and lead a team of players in here to be racially abused,” Demetriou said at the time.
“It’s not what our game is about. We have to stamp it out completely. Life bans, anyone who makes racial abuse, get them out of the game. We don’t want their support. It has to end.
“Latrell is sick of it. And why wouldn’t he be? He should be able to come here as a star of our game and not be racially abused.
“Who cares what colour he is. It’s not on. I don’t understand how it happens in this day and age.”
According to sources involved with the investigation but not authorised to speak publicly, the teenager at the centre of the allegation denied his comment contained racist language. That goes against the version of events described by several Souths players at the match. Keaon Koloamatangi was behind Mitchell as they walked up the tunnel at half-time.
“I heard it, I didn’t know if I had heard it right [at first], then ‘Trell’ turned around and said he heard it, too,” Koloamatangi told the Herald.
“That confirmed to me what the kid said. Multiple people heard the same thing. I turned around trying to figure out who it was.
“There was a kid. He was only young, there was a bit of commotion in the tunnel, but the kid made it pretty obvious it was him because he was looking away and everyone else was looking down at the tunnel.”
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