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Topics: Australia, NRL, Rugby League, Latrell Mitchell
Jayden Collins
Topics: Australia, NRL, Rugby League, Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell has broken his silence over the alleged incident that saw him racially abused at halftime of the Rabbitohs' 16-10 loss to the Panthers.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the vile incident occurred when the two teams were leaving the field at half-time to return to the dressing rooms.
Upon hearing what was said, it's understood the racial slur was reported to stadium security who ejected the spectator shortly after.
The teenager involved has disputed claims the alleged sledge was racially motivated, however, the Souths star was adamant about what he had heard.
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He told The Daily Telegraph: “Unfortunately it is something that I have had to deal with my whole life — on and off the field.
“Whilst the support from people inside and outside rugby league since Thursday night has been great, nobody should have to deal with racial abuse in 2023.”
Police and the NRL Integrity Unit are interviewing witnesses at the scene as well as the perpetrator to get a better understanding of the vents.
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The South Sydney players were confident they heard racial abuse hurled toward Mitchell as they were going down the tunnel at BlueBet Stadium.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the father talked to the police following the incident, admitting that his son ‘shouldn’t have said what he said’.
The Sydney Roosters-jersey-wearing fan reportedly fled the scene on foot after Rabbitohs players had called on security to intervene.
Mitchell has maintained the importance of ensuring these sorts of interactions do not go under the radar.
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He continued: “It is important for me to call this abuse out immediately.
“Not only for myself, but every Indigenous person who has suffered or suffers this sort of abuse.
“We have a number of Indigenous players in our squad — who will have all been as equally offended by the comment.
“The only way to stop this abuse continuing is for people to call it out immediately — just as the Panthers players and my teammates did on Thursday night.”
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The abuse came from a Sydney Roosters fan - the club Mitchell formerly played for.
However, Roosters stars James Tedesco and Luke Keary have pleaded for their supporters to treat their former teammate with respect, according to ESPN.