Revealed: What the father of teen who allegedly racially abused Latrell Mitchell told police as new details come to light and Nicho Hynes makes incredible offer to youngster – but there’s a catch
- Father of boy reportedly spoke to police on Thursday
- Admitted at the ground his son, 15, was in the wrong
- NRL integrity unit and NSW police are investigating
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the teenager who allegedly racially abused NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell on Thursday night.
The boy’s father has reportedly confirmed he spoke to police at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith following the alleged incident after the 15-year-old fled the scene.
According to News Corp, the father stated his son ‘shouldn’t have said what he said’ after allegations the youngster called Rabbitohs fullback Mitchell a ‘black dog’.
While some have called for the teenager to receive a life ban from NRL games if found guilty of racial abuse, Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes – also a proud First Nations man – has a radical proposal.
The 2022 Dally M Medal winner would like to see the under-fire teenager brought into the All Stars camp next year so he can gain a greater understanding of indigenous culture – but only if Mitchell gives his blessing.
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the teenager who allegedly racially abused NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell (pictured) on Thursday night
While some have called for the teenager to receive a life ban from NRL games if found guilty, Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes – also a proud First Nations man – feels education is key
‘He would be able to see what goes on and how proud of our culture we are,’ Hynes said.
‘We have to make sure this kid’s well-being is OK … he is going to be copping it.
‘Whatever the consequence is, it needs to be hard on him but it [also] needs to be fair.’
Hynes admitted initially he was angry at what unfolded as Mitchell made his way to the sheds at halftime during the Panthers versus Rabbitohs clash.
But as he pondered the situation, he felt education was key.
The NRL Integrity Unit continues to investigate the incident, with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo praising Mitchell ‘for his leadership in calling out this behaviour’.
‘I want to commend Latrell and all the players who spoke up,’ he said.
‘I want to encourage everyone in our game to do the same thing. It’s the only way that we can eradicate these types of unfortunate incidents from our game.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson doesn’t believe Mitchell will be lost to the game like Adam Goodes was to AFL – but was disappointed at the allegations stemming from Thursday night
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou was staggered at what was allegedly said, and called for life bans for all ‘fans’ found guilty of racial abuse
‘When issues like this happen, just know that we will deal with them and we will deal with them thoroughly.’
NSW Police have also launched an investigation into the matter.
Mitchell’s coach Jason Demetriou was seething in the post-game press conference – and it had nothing to do with the 16-10 defeat at the hands of the premiers.
‘This is not something Latrell just cops on the footy field, this is something he’s had to deal with his whole life. All Indigenous people do,’ he said.
‘I can’t get my head around it to be honest….we will take it to the police. We will go all the way, as far as we can with it.
‘As a club, we will stand right by Latrell. It’s just not on.’
A host of NRL identities, including Panthers stars Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Stephen Crichton – plus current and former players such as Blake Ferguson, Jamal Fogarty, Brent Naden and Xavier Savage – on Friday called for racist slurs in Australian society to end.
Mitchell’s South Sydney teammate Cody Walker shared this message on Friday with a picture of the Indigenous All Stars
‘No room for racism in our game period! Especially at our home ground. We need to learn to embrace each other’s cultures,’ Fisher-Harris posted.
‘Got nothing good to say? Then shut up. Your [sic] watching on the sideline for a reason,’ Jarome Luai posted.
Rabbitohs players also showed their solidarity for Mitchell.
‘No place in our game for racism. We stand with you,’ Cameron Murray posted.
‘Low act,’ Jai Arrow posted.