Video of a local Queensland rugby league match, where a supporter can be heard hurling racist abuse at Aboriginal players, is circulating online.
During the recording of the Round 16 match between the Gatton Hawks and Pittsworth Danes, an alleged Pittsworth supporter is heard yelling "shut up you black c**t".
The crowd laughs in response.
The clip has gained traction on social media, being shared across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
A screenshot of the video circulating which racial abuse can be heard from an audience member. Source: Supplied
Investigation initiated
Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL) have launched an investigation, with Chairman Joe Hannant insisting the incident is being examined "as a matter of urgency".
"We will speak to all parties involved to get to the bottom of the allegations and ensure a fair and respectful process for all," he said.
Mr Hannant said that player welfare was the "absolute priority" and that "any form of racism or vilification" is not tolerated.
The club at the centre of it all, the Pittsworth Danes, said they'll cooperate with the TRL's investigation.
"The Pittsworth Danes do not condone the comments made during the filming of last week's match and will work with the Toowoomba Rugby League with their investigation into the incident," said club president Gary Nolan in a statement issued online.
"There is no place for racism in our game or society. As a club we do not stand for it and we will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete.
"We would like to apologise on behalf of the Pittsworth Danes to both the Gatton Hawks Club and the players involved."
'Racism lives and breathes'
Buddy Hippi has been a part of TRL for many years and returned recently to play for the Newtown Lions.
Mr Hippi told NITV News he “wasn’t surprised” by the language used in the video.
“We know racism lives and breathes in this country, and it’s on steroids in the sports domain too,” he said.
“It makes a huge impact on, not only for the people that are playing football but the wider community."
While only one man is heard racially abusing players, many others laugh in support, an act Mr Hippi believes to be “just as bad”.
“It’s horrible, and to laugh like that, that kind of reaction, I say to those people you’re just as bad as the person who had that comment.”
Mr Hippi said there were discussions of Indigenous players boycotting games. However, there were concerns that teams wouldn't be able to complete without them.
A proud Gomeroi man with ties to Boggabilla, Mr Hippi and his family operate Toowoomba-based cultural business Winangali Infusion.
He said he's been discussing ways his business can work with TRL to encourage cultural awareness and education.
“I guess for myself and my people, it's how we manage and how we deal with this one when it arises at different times,” he said.
“Since our country was invaded, we’ve been dealing with racism... it’s passed down from one family to the next.
“Our people pass down our knowledge and belief systems, our connection to Country and healing, whereas people like this: it’s been ingrained in them since day dot. They don’t see our people for who we really are.”
Mr Hippi extended an invitation to the culprit to learn about Aboriginal culture and history.
Gomeroi man Buddy Hippi told NITV he wasn't surprised by the video. Source: Supplied
“To fully understand each other we must sit down and just have a yarn. Instead of focusing on our differences, we focus on our commonality,” he said.
“I call this person out, I’m happy to take them out on Country for a few days or a month, to show them the beauty of who we are.”
Mr Hippi noted the importance of calling out racism in all levels of sport and acknowledged the advocacy of NRL stars Latrell Mitchel, Josh Addo-Carr and AFL greats Eddie Betts and Adam Goodes.
"I don't mind calling it out you know, we have to do it for the young ones that come through. We had so many people do it for us, now we have to carry that message stick."
