Revealed: The racist slurs Indigenous football stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were allegedly hit with during a match – as NRL launches investigation
The NRL’s integrity unit is investigating alleged racist abuse against Southern Indigenous stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker in what is set to be the second racist scandal to hit the league this year.
Mitchell was allegedly called a ‘black bastard’, with Walker called a ‘dog’ by a fan during the Rabbitohs’ defeat to the Dragons on Saturday night.
The reported abuse comes after Roosters star Spencer Leniu was banned for eight matches after admitting he called Broncos rival Ezra Mam a “monkey” when their teams played in Las Vegas in round one.
Cody Walker (left) and Latrell Mitchell (right) were allegedly racially abused during the Bunnies’ loss to the Dragons on Saturday night.
When Mitchell (pictured) was racially abused by a fan during a game against Penrith last year, his teammates feared the attacks would force him to quit football.
A witness told News Corp he confronted the fan who allegedly used the slur and informed him of police and security at the match.
The NRL Integrity Unit has spoken to the witness and knows the location of the alleged offender.
In a statement, the league said it “takes these allegations seriously and is investigating them as a priority.”
Souths are aware of the matter after being “informed by a member of the public” and “condemn any form of racism… and will support the NRL’s investigation in every way possible”, the club said.
Mitchell was heavily criticized by some fans and pundits after warning the NRL had “handled this sh*t better” ahead of Leniu’s court hearing over 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 fullback was also the victim of racist abuse from a young fan during a match at Penrith in 2023, with the incident leaving his teammates fearing he could leave the game because of the attacks.
Mitchell then vowed he would not “shut my mouth” until racism was driven out of Australian sport.
“A lot of people would like me to stand in line and shut my mouth, but I won’t,” he said.
“I will always stand up for my heritage, my culture and I will always be the voice for all Australian children.”
“It’s time we eliminate racism from our game and our sports. Even in the AFL the poor guys get by.
“I will support anyone who is subjected to racist abuse or vilification. It’s about us moving forward and growing as a game.”
Mitchell was criticized for sending the above warning to the NRL on social media after Broncos star Ezra Mam ended a racist slur in round one this year.
Then-Souths coach Jason Demetriou called for any 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 eliminate it completely. NRL clubs need to get rid of it, life bans, anyone who wants to remove racial abuse from the game, we don’t want to their support. This has to end,” he said.
Walker was one of the Souths stars who reacted furiously after hearing the slur delivered during the Penrith match last year.
“I feel like it’s the worst form of discrimination there is,” he said afterward.
“This is absolutely disgusting behavior. Hearing those kinds of words come out of someone’s mouth… I don’t know. In fact, I have no words.
