NRL to investigate Civoniceva racism claims

NRL officials are reportedly investigating claims Penrith captain Petero Civoniceva was racially abused during the Panthers’ 22-16 victory over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium yesterday.

Unruly Parramatta supporters are believed to have called Civoniceva “a monkey” and told him to “get back in your tree”, according to reports in News Ltd newspapers.

The Australian and Queensland State of Origin representative said the abuse from a group of six Eels supporters was among the worst he has heard in his 11-year NRL career with Brisbane and Penrith.

Civoniceva admits he retaliated, knocking a beer over belonging to the group as he left the field.

The hulking prop said he intends to write a letter to Parramatta apologising for his actions because he was aware some young fans saw his retaliation.

“I lost my cool,” he said.

“I can cop some abuse but not like that. I hit the beer away. I’m disappointed I did it.

“There were young families close by and I don’t want the kids being scarred with that memory of going to the footy.

“I shouldn’t have lost my cool because of a few idiots.”

Parramatta officials are planning to meet with the Parramatta Stadium Trust to find those responsible and look into having them banned for the rest of the season.