NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has promised bans for anyone found to have racially abused players after a group of spectators were marched from Central Coast Stadium on Friday night.
Eight people were ejected from the match in Gosford for allegedly racially abusing Penrith winger Brent Naden.
The 24-year-old Naden told club staff the abuse was persistent and he was shaken by the behaviour, which came to a head towards the end of the first half of the Panthers’ match against the Warriors.
Police and security rounded on the group, who were predominantly wearing Warriors jerseys.
It’s understood Naden reported the abuse to the Penrith trainer who took action to have the group removed from the ground.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he was proud of Naden for standing up for himself and reporting the abuse.
“He’s okay, he said that it’s not the first time he’s heard that in his life but in this forum it has been, so he’s a little bit… he certainly took offence to it at the time but he’s okay,” Cleary said.
“It’s one of those situations where you can only react how you feel at the time.
“Whatever was said, and I don’t know exactly what was said, it definitely affected him and by the sounds of it the appropriate action was taken and what happens from here I’m not too sure.”
In the past the NRL issued bans for those found to have racially abused players and in a statement issued on Friday night, the governing body once again promised to take the strongest possible action.
“Racism and vilification will not be tolerated in our game,” Abdo’s statement read.
“Bringing communities and cultures together is part of rugby league.
“We pride ourselves on being inclusive and taking a leadership role in driving social change.
“Any fan found to have racially abused a player or another fan will not be welcome at our games.
“We have shown in the past that we will take the strongest possible action to ensure fans guilty of racial abuse are banned from attending the Telstra Premiership.
“We will work closely with NSW police, stadium authorities and the clubs to determine the facts and take decisive action against anyone guilty of racial abuse.
“Later tonight, I will call any player involved to ensure they are receiving the support they need. We will always stand by our players.”
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
"Guests" - can't live with them, can't kill them. I think if you are at least semi-serious, you might spend 2 minutes to register before posting. If you don't I reckon your opinion is worth "jack". I'm not trying to exclude people but it seems like a pattern that when controversial things happen there is a rush of "guests" piling in with all sorts of outrage, often lacking facts and perspective. If you reckon the forum is good and you enjoy the site, register. I've never been spammed from this site so join in!
egbert
Guest
I did think as they asked him that Joey is perhaps not the best person to be weighing in on this given Tahu/Inglis etc. Gallen too, given Mickey Paea.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Is there a more misused term these days...?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Haha... you’ve certainly proved that sarcasm CAN be readily identifiable in the written word :thumbup:
Nick
Roar Guru
Lol. Another gibbon who mentions "free speech". Must think Australia is modeled after episodes of law and order, or the west wing... Clearly if you're not going to be bothered learning the laws that govern Australia, then you may as well move to the US. You seem very au fait with their constitution after all.
Nick
Roar Guru
An astonishing level of hypocriticism from Johns.
Nick
Roar Guru
I can't think of a reason you're engaging with him, TB. Are you even in the least bit surprised this flog is saying this?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Isn't free speech saying what I want, about anybody or anything, without worrying about consequences or accountability, said while in the safety of a group or behind a keyboard? And isn't it absolute? The Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 does not apply to me because I read the Telegraph and watch Sky News. Andrew Bolt failed an Arts Degree and dropped out of uni, so no one knows more about freedom of opinion and expression then him
no one in particular
Roar Guru
you have absolutely no idea what free speech is
The Barry
Roar Guru
Either someone taking the Mickey without realising sarcasm isn’t readily identifiable in the written word or another dim wit who throws terms like “freedom of speech” without having a clue what it actually means...
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Unbelievable how the right/conservatives/red necks are all too ready to be apologists for racists, but can never actually apologize themselves.
The Barry
Roar Guru
But if you’re going to suggest someone would lie about it, surely you’ve got an idea on WHY they would I can’t think of a single reason why someone would make it up
Tony
Roar Guru
Immortal my $%÷&
Tony
Roar Guru
??? What?
Paul
Roar Guru
great player, Brian Moore
Jacko
Guest
If there is proof or confirmation of abuse of this nature then throw the book at them the big issue for me is that I once heard a guy yell "thats a friggin joke" and the ref sent him from the spectator area for calling him a "effin Goat" so just identify correctly what was said and go from there.
Coastyboi
Guest
Speaking on Channel 9’s coverage of the Dragons’ win over Parramatta, Newcastle legend Andrew Johns called for life bans if the allegations were proven to be true. “It’s just not acceptable,” Johns said. “We don’t want these sorts of people in the NRL and if they’re found guilty, they should be banned for life.”
Coastyboi
Guest
STOP THE PRESS! Does anybody remember what Andrew Johns called TIMANA TAHU?
Skidmarx
Guest
Who else then , who are these “ other “ people?
Nat
Roar Rookie
What are you talking about, this isn't one word against another. Naden called them out, he wasn't the only one to hear it.