Defiant Latrell Mitchell vows he will not be silenced in the fight against racism
Defiant Latrell Mitchell swears he will NOT be silenced in fight against racism after receiving vile swear words and warns NRL fans: ‘If you want to be racist, keep your damn opinions to yourself’
Latrell Mitchell has vowed he will not shut up until racism is eradicated from Australian sport and remains committed to being a role model for Indigenous players.
Earlier this week, the 14-year-old who targeted the South Sydney star with racist remarks in March in Penrith was banned from attending NRL matches until he has apologized to Mitchell.
The New South Wales fullback was battered when he walked off the field at half-time during Souths’ 16-10 defeat to Penrith on 9 March.
The teen received widespread condemnation, but according to the The Sydney Morning HeraldHe is disputes the claim that his slur was racially motivated.
An outspoken supporter of Indigenous Australians, Mitchell wears his heritage proudly on his sleeve and said he will not be deterred by racist abuse.
Latrell Mitchell has vowed to continue fighting to eradicate racism from Australian sport
The star fullback was reportedly abused by a 14-year-old player wearing a Sydney Roosters shirt as he walked off the pitch at half-time at BlueBet Stadium on March 9.
“A lot of people would like me to stand in line and shut up, but I won’t,” he told the newspaper. Daily telegram.
“I will always stand up for my heritage, for my culture and be a voice for all Australian children.
It’s time we rub racism out of our game and out of our sports. Even in the AFL, the poor guys make it there.
“I will support anyone who is racially abused or defamed. It’s about moving forward and growing as a game.”
Following the incident against Penrith, in an emotional press conference Souths boss Jason Demetriou called on the NRL to take a zero-tolerance stance against racism.
said Demetriou anyone found guilty of using racist language will be suspended for life from attending NRL games, the ban should be extended to the parents if the perpetrator is a minor.
And Mitchell said the ban imposed on the fan will set an important precedent for NRL fans.
‘I left it [dealing with the incident] for the NRL and integrity unit they have acted, and hopefully there is a lesson from it,” he said.
Mitchell insisted that he will not be silenced in his support of Indigenous players
“All I want out of this is for a strong message to be sent to people who think racism is okay in our game and in society. It’s not.
“There must be repercussions and accountability.
“I’m also here to say I hope this is a message to all the rugby league fans out there in the crowd: if there’s racism, call it out and feel it’s okay to do it.
“If you want to be racist, keep your fucking opinions to yourself.
‘I can say this. I’m not changing.’
Mitchell scored two tries as the Rabbitohs beat the Broncos 32-6 in Brisbane last week
When it concluded its investigation on Wednesday, the NRL indicated that the fan must also complete education and training programs facilitated by the league before being allowed to compete again.
“The NRL confirmed today that it has issued a notice with the intention of prohibiting a spectator from attending NRL events until the young person can establish that sufficient steps have been taken to address their conduct,” a statement from the NRL said. .
“These steps include apologizing and completing appropriate training and education in respectful behavior and cultural awareness.
“The NRL thanks Latrell Mitchell for reporting this matter and reaffirms that no form of defamation will be tolerated in rugby league.”