An NRL rugby fan who allegedly racially abused two Indigenous rugby players could be banned from attending all rugby games if the NRL is able to identify him.
Over the weekend South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers faced off at the Panther’s Stadium.
Rabbitohs’ captain, Greg Inglis was booed as he walked off the field to be assessed for a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
On the way back into the sheds, it’s been alleged Inglis was called a “black dog” by an unknown fan.
He notified Rabbitohs officials in the dressing room, after the match.
The Panthers has publically apologized unreservedly for the fan’s behaviour and the "upset caused".
"I wish to make it clear our club does not tolerate this kind of behaviour in any form. We will work with the NRL to investigate the matter and any perpetrators will be swiftly dealt with," Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said in a statement.
The NRL has also opened an investigation into the incident and has asked Fox Sports to go through their footage in order to identify the alleged abuser.
It’s believed Panther’s star Tyrone Peachey was also racially abused during the game on Sunday.
It’s alleged Peachy suffered backlash from a Panther’s fan after his recent decision to leave the club and move to the Gold Coast Titans at the end of his season.
Panther’s player Josh Mansour vented his frustration at racism in the league on Twitter.
Inglis’ manager, Allan Gainey said the Rugby superstar had no hesitation in lodging a formal complaint.
“Greg said he doesn’t mind getting booed when he leaves the field, that’s part of footy. But to be racially abused is totally unacceptable,” Gainey said.
This is not the first time Inglis has been at the centre of a racial issue.
In 2010, Timana Tahu walked out on NSW State of Origin camp after he claimed Inglis was the target of a racial slur from Blues assistant coach Andrew Johns. Johns later apologised to Inglis over the matter.
The South Sydney fullback was also the victim of a racist online slur in 2013, prompting then-NRL CEO Dave Smith to launch a hunt for the offender.
Souths CEO Blake Solly said his club was working closely with the NRL and Penrith to investigate Saturday's incident.
With AAP
