- Latrell Mitchell has supported Ezra Mam
- Mom accused Spencer Leniu of racial abuse
- Mitchell has called on the NRL to “deal with it”
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Latrell Mitchell has supported Ezra Mam after the Broncos star leveled an accusation of racism against fellow soccer star Spencer Leniu.
An angry Mam has told Brisbane officials he is convinced he was racially abused by Sydney Roosters prop Leniu in the NRL’s season-opening double-header in Las Vegas.
In an incident that threatened to overshadow rugby league’s march to the United States, Leniu was reported late in the Broncos’ 20-10 loss at Allegiant Stadium.
The NRL has since confirmed they are reviewing the matter, which could lead to Leniu being sent straight to the judiciary upon his return to Australia if he is charged.
Latrell Mitchell demanded the NRL take action, posting on Instagram: ‘I’m with you Bala. (The NRL) better deal with this shit.
Latrell Mitchell has called on the NRL to “deal with” alleged racist abuse in the game.
Spencer Leniu (right) allegedly directed a racial slur at Ezra Mam in Las Vegas
Mitchell was the victim of racist abuse from a fan in the crowd during a match against Penrith last year.
Indigenous star Mam could be heard telling referee Adam Gee: “He called me a monkey,” as other Broncos players also say: “He called him a monkey.”
Gee said he didn’t hear the alleged insult himself and asked Mom if she wanted to make a formal complaint, to which Mom responded, “Yes, I do.”
When Gee reports it, Leniu can be heard telling the referee: “Why would I say that?”
Leniu told Triple M after the match that he was “not worried at all” and that the incident was “just fun and games on the pitch, that’s all”.
But Broncos coach Kevin Walters said Mom was sure a racial slur had been made.
“He’s pretty upset in there,” Walters said.
‘He’s adamant (there was an insult) but we’ll leave that to the NRL. They are looking at it.
“We certainly support Ezra and our player and everything that surrounds that.”
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said he had not personally heard the insult but was surprised by the accusation.
“Today, you wouldn’t think this still exists,” Reynolds said.
Called on NRL to ‘deal with this shit’ after game
He also said “typical” to a story shared by News Corp on Sunday.
“It was very far from that. But we support our player. He is quite upset in there.
“We certainly don’t support racism and we will support Ezra and we will prevent him, we will make sure he is okay.”
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he had not yet spoken to Samoan Test representative Leniu about the allegation but said it was important a process was followed.
“He obviously filed the complaint, but that doesn’t mean it’s correct,” Robinson said.
“It will go through the formal process as it should.”
The incident occurred in a brutal but entertaining win for the Roosters to open the season, in front of 40,746 fans at Allegiant Stadium.