The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the alleged racist abuse of Indigenous Souths stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker in what will become the second racism scandal in the competition this year.
Mitchell was reportedly called a ‘black bastard’ while Walker was branded a ‘dog’ by a fan during the Rabbitohs’ loss to the Dragons on Saturday night.
The reported abuse comes after Roosters star Spencer Leniu was banned for eight matches after admitting calling Broncos rival Ezra Mam a ‘monkey’ when their teams played in Las Vegas in the first round.
Cody Walker (left) and Latrell Mitchell (right) allegedly used racial abuse during the Bunnies’ loss to the Dragons on Saturday night
When Mitchell (pictured) was racially abused by a fan during a match against Penrith last year, his teammates feared the attacks could force him to quit playing.
A witness told it News Corp he confronted the fan who allegedly used the insults and told police and security during the match.
The NRL Integrity Unit has spoken to the witness and has the registered office details of the suspected perpetrator.
In a statement, the league said it “takes these allegations seriously and is investigating them as a priority.”
Souths is aware of the matter after being “informed by a member of the public” and “condemns any form of racism … and will support the NRL’s investigation in every way possible”, the club said.
Mitchell came in for strong criticism from some fans and pundits after warning the NRL could ‘better handle this s**t’ before Leniu’s judiciary heard about his abuse of Mam.
Walker (pictured during the Dragons match) reacted furiously when Mitchell was racially abused during a match against Penrith last year
The Bunnies full-back was also racially abused by a young fan during a match in Penrith in 2023, with the incident causing his teammates to fear he could leave the match due to the attacks.
Mitchell then vowed he would ‘not hold my tongue’ until racism is driven out of Australian sport.
“A lot of people would love it if I stood in line and kept my mouth shut, but I won’t,” he said.
“I will always stand up for my heritage, my culture and be a voice for all Australian children.
“It’s time we banish racism from our game and from our sport. Even in the AFL, the poor guys are doing it there.
‘I will support anyone who is racially abused or vilified. It’s about moving forward and growing as a game.”
Mitchell was criticized for sending the above social media warning to the NRL after Broncos star Ezra Mam ended a racial slur in round one this year
Then Souths coach Jason Demetriou called for fans found guilty of racist abuse to be permanently banned from attending matches.
“It’s not what our game is about and we need to eradicate it completely. NRL clubs need to get rid of it, lifetime bans, anyone who wants to eliminate racist abuse needs to get out of the game, we don’t want their support. It has to end,” he said.
Walker was one of several Souths stars who reacted furiously after hearing the slur during last year’s Penrith match.
“I feel like this is the worst form of discrimination there is,” he said afterwards.
‘It’s absolutely disgusting behaviour. When I hear words like that come out of someone’s mouth… I don’t know. I don’t really have any words.’
