The National Rugby League (NRL) has completed an investigation into allegations of racial abuse in Friday night’s game between the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights.
The NRL Integrity Unit interviewed or received statements from the players involved in the matter, players from both teams in the vicinity of the incident, match officials, club officials, and reviewed footage and audio from the broadcast and internal comms records.
The NRL's investigation, conducted under the Game's Anti-Vilification Code, has not been able to determine the matter and the facts remain contested by each player. In accordance with the provisions of the Code, both players involved will now be referred to a conciliation process.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the game would closely monitor the outcome of conciliation.
“Rugby league is an inclusive game and we take our duty of care to all of our players very seriously. It is important that every player feels supported when they make a complaint, and we want to see our players take a leadership role in speaking out,” he said.
“It is also important that where there is a dispute as to what has been said, the Game has a process designed to bring the parties together to address those matters in an appropriate way. My priority right now is monitoring the welfare of both players. I’m hopeful a conciliation meeting will find a resolution that benefits both players.”
