NRL fan removed from BlueBet stadium after allegedly hurling racist abuse at Latrell Mitchell, as video footage shows South Sydney stars reacting to disgusting slur
An NRL fan wearing a Roosters jersey was reportedly removed from the BlueBet stadium after allegedly targeting a racist slur at South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell.
According to Channel 9, the incident is said to have occurred as the players came off the field during half-time of Souths’ clash with Penrith on Thursday night.
Clearly, security removed the fan at halftime.
“Latrell Mitchell was the target of a pretty disgusting racist insult,” said Danika Mason on Channel 9. “He heard it, his teammates heard it. South Sydney subsequently filed a formal complaint against the fan.
“The police investigated, they spoke to a member of the seating area next to the tunnel, a fan who was wearing a rooster costume.
Latrell Mitchell is said to have been racially insulted during Souths’ loss to Penrith on Thursday
The Rabbitohs star and his teammates heard the slur as they came off the field at half time
“The NRL said they would look into the situation, they will look at the cameras in this area to determine where this racist slur came from.
Police also questioned some fans in the area. What we can expect is that the integrity unit will step in and the NRL will crack down if they find the culprit.”
South Sydney lost the game 16-10, but a seething Jason Demetriou had only one thing on his mind in the post-match press conference: he called for racism to be eradicated from the NRL.
‘It happened. It is not the first time that we have come here as a club and our players have been treated racist,” he said.
‘Where does it end? It’s just not on. It should not be allowed to come here as a coach and racially insult our players.
“It’s not what our game is about and we need to eradicate it completely. NRL clubs need to get rid of it, lifetime suspensions, anyone wanting racial abuse needs to get out of the game, we don’t want their support. It must end.’
The fan ejected and Mitchell played on as the Bunnies lost at BlueBet Stadium
When asked about Mitchell’s well-being, Demetriou said, “He’s tired of it. Why wouldn’t he be? He shouldn’t come here as a star of our game and be racially abused.
‘Who cares what color he is? It’s not on. I don’t even understand how that happens in our time.
“I don’t understand why a young child thinks this is the language he should use. I don’t care what sweater he wears. Take it out of our game.’