Shocking moment ground announcer at Queensland footy game uses a racist slur – and the crowd LAUGHS

The Toowoomba Rugby League is investigating an incident of shocking racial vilification that saw a ground announcer abuse an unknown player or spectator over the ground’s PA system.

A male voice could be heard saying ‘shut up you black c***’ over the loudspeaker so all players and spectators could hear it during the Pittsworth Danes’ home match against the Gatton Hawks last weekend.

Compounding the ugly incident, pockets of the crowd then laughed at the disgraceful comment.

It is unknown who made the announcement, or whether it was directed toward a player or a jeering spectator.

Toowoomba Rugby League chairman Joe Hannant released a statement after the shocking development.

‘We are an inclusive sport and we pride ourselves on our diversity,’ he said.

‘The TRL Disciplinary Tribunal will investigate the allegations 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.

‘Player welfare is our absolute priority. We will do everything we can to ensure our players feel safe and supported.

‘Any form of racism or vilification will not be tolerated in our game.’

Pittsworth Danes president Gary Nolan said the club will launch an investigation as he condemned the slur.

‘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,’ he said.

‘There is no place of racism in our game or in society.

‘As a club we will 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.’

The Hawks did not release a statement, but did put up a Queensland Rugby League post that reads: ‘You’re entering a positive environment! Be respectful, be inclusive, be positive’.

The president of the Brothers TRL club, Lizzie Adams, also called out the ‘absolutely atrocious behaviour’.

‘I’m speaking up because I want to defend the Aboriginal kids, men and women in rugby league not just here (Toowoomba) but everywhere.

‘Imagine being a young player and hearing this at a game, the type of damage these words could do … it’s scary to think about.

‘I just hope the TRL and QRL punish this person severely, we will not accept anything less than a life ban for the person, there’s absolutely no place for this disgusting behaviour.’

Brothers player Nathan Gaulton has called on clubs and players to stand down from this weekend’s TRL matches in protest.

‘I’m disappointed and disgusted, we’ve come so far but then we hear something like us and it sets everything back.

‘There’s no place for racism.’