NRL fan removed from BlueBet Stadium after allegedly hurling racist slurs at Latrell Mitchell as video shows South Sydney stars reacting to disgusting slur
An NRL fan wearing a Roosters shirt has reportedly been removed from BlueBet Stadium after he allegedly directed a racist slur at South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell.
According to Channel 9, the incident is alleged to have taken place as the players were leaving the pitch at half time of Souths’ clash with Penrith on Thursday night.
It is understood that security removed the fan during the half-time interval.
“Latrell Mitchell was the subject of a rather disgusting racial slur,” said Danika Mason on Channel 9. “He heard it, his teammates heard it. South Sydney then filed a formal complaint against the fan.
‘Police were investigating, spoke to a member of the tunnel side seating area, a fan carrying a Los Gallos trip.
Latrell Mitchell reportedly received racist abuse during Souths’ loss to Penrith on Thursday
The Rabbitohs star and his teammates heard the insult as they walked off the field at halftime.
“The NRL said they would review the situation, look at CCTV from this area to determine where this racial slur came from.
The police also questioned several fans in the area. What we can hope for is the integrity unit to get involved and the NRL to come down hard if they find the perpetrator.
South Sydney lost the contest 16-10, but a furious Jason Demetriou had only one thing on his mind at the post-match press conference – and he called for racism to be removed from the NRL.
‘Occurred. It is not the first time we have come here as a club and our players have been racially abused,” he said.
‘Where does it end? It’s just not on. You shouldn’t have to be able to come here as a coach and lead our players to racial abuse.
‘It’s not what our game is about and we have to eradicate it completely. NRL clubs need to get rid of that, lifetime bans, anyone who wants to take racial abuse out of the game, we don’t want their support. It has to end.
The fan was ejected and Mitchell played on as the Bunnies were defeated at BlueBet Stadium.
When asked about Mitchell’s well-being, Demetriou said: “He’s sick of it.” Why wouldn’t he be? You shouldn’t have to come here as a star of our game and suffer racial abuse.
‘Who cares what color it is? It’s not on. I don’t even understand how that happens in our time.
‘I can’t understand why a small child thinks that’s the language to use. I don’t care what shirt he’s wearing. Get him out of our game.