Controversial former footy star sensationally claims Spencer Leniu’s alleged ‘monkey’ slur was NOT racist as he wades into row that has rocked the NRL
- John Hopoate has swept into the NRL racism realm
- Spencer Leniu allegedly called Ezra Mam a “monkey.”
- Hopoate claims the slur was not racist
John Hopoate has claimed on Instagram that Spencer Leniu’s alleged “monkey” comments against Ezra Mam were not racist, in a bizarre take on the story that has rocked the NRL.
The NRL’s foray into Las Vegas was soured by an alleged slur aimed at Broncos star Mam as Sydney Roosters defeated Brisbane 20-10 at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
“Ezra has made a formal complaint,” referee Adam Gee told the Roosters after the scuffle. “It is racist in nature against Spencer. I did not hear it. The incident will be reported and will be dealt with afterwards. That’s what matters.’
In the audio of the match broadcast, Mom can be heard telling referee Gee, “He called me a monkey.” Another Broncos player also says, “He called him a monkey.”
The NRL judiciary is investigating the incident, with Leniu saying after the match when asked about the allegation: “I think it’s all fun and games when we’re on the field. That is it.’
John Hopoate has had his say on the racism row that has rocked the NRL
Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker have thrown their support behind Mam following the alleged episode, with Souths star Mitchell calling on the NRL to ‘deal with this s***’.
But former Manly and Wests star Hopoate has shared his thoughts on the incident.
‘I “I get called a monkey by a white guy during a match, so I punch him and then tell him I’m knocking him off the field and the DOGS at NSWRL are giving me a five-year ban,” he said.
“A black man calls another black man a monkey and that is racism. Can someone please explain to me how this is racism.
“#IfYouCantHandleASledgeDontPlaySport,” he finished.
Hopoate, 50, was referring to a 2018 incident in which he was charged by the NSWRL for punching opponents during a match for the Narraweena Hawks against Forestville in a local A match.
Hopoate was banned from any involvement in the NSWRL rugby league for five years, plus a further five-year ban.
“No one gets angry for no reason… I was called a ‘damn black monkey’ and I didn’t like it, so I threatened to bash him and I would do it again,” Hopoate told the newspaper. the league’s review panel.
Ezra Mam claims he was called a ‘monkey’ by a rival player in Las Vegas
Spencer Leniu has been accused of targeting the Brisbane Broncos star
When asked why he didn’t report the alleged racist comments during the match, he said it was because he was ‘not ab***h’.
“I was too angry to say it because I just wanted to hit the guy who was so smart,” he said.
“It’s unacceptable (behavior), but are we going to let these people get away with racism?” I would do the same here if someone called me a black monkey.’
Leniu was born in Auckland, New Zealand and grew up in Australia. He plays international rugby league for Samoa.