Teen allegedly abusing Latrell Mitchell will NOT be banned for life by the NRL…but must apologize to the South Sydney star before returning to games
The spectator who attacked Latrell Mitchell with racist abuse in Penrith will be banned from attending future NRL matches until he has apologized to the South Sydney fullback and completed education and training programmes.
The incident occurred at half-time in the Panthers’ second-round match against the Rabbitohs at BlueBet Stadium, where the 14-year-old hurled a racist remark from the stands as Mitchell left the pitch.
Photos from inside the tunnel showed Rabbitoh’s players reacting to the slur that led to the teen’s widespread condemnation.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the spectator disputed that his comment was racially motivated.
After the game, the Rabbitohs indicated they would report it to the police and NSW Police issued a formal warning to the spectator in the days that followed.
The fan who allegedly abused Latrell Mitchell in March will not be banned for life
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.
The NRL concluded its own investigation into the matter on Wednesday afternoon, almost two months later, and stopped suspending the spectator for life.
Instead, the teen will be able to attend matches once he has formally apologized to Mitchell and completed NRL-facilitated education and training programs.
“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.”
The spectator has five days to respond to the NRL’s call.
Mitchell scored two tries as the Rabbitohs beat the Panthers 20-18 two weeks ago
The Panthers assisted the NRL in their investigation and welcomed the punishment handed down to the spectator, who is believed to be a Sydney Roosters fan.
“Having worked closely with the NRL throughout the investigation process, the Panthers support the NRL’s decision,” the Panthers’ statement read.
“Panthers will continue to work to ensure that all players, staff and fans feel safe and welcome at matches at the BlueBet Stadium.”
Mitchell scored two tries and was instrumental in the Rabbitohs beating the Panthers 20-18 in their follow-up meeting last month.