The NRL has sent a stern warning to so-called rugby league fans that racist online trolling of players will not be tolerated anymore.
On Friday, two men were charged with sending abusive messages via social media to South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell.
Mitchell had earlier this week informed the NRL Integrity Unit he had received numerous "racially charged" social media messages.
NRL.com reports Mitchell's complaints were passed onto the police who arrested two men on Friday, aged 22 and 25.
Both men were charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and have been granted bail with a court date set for next month.
Mitchell received the messages days after he was hit with a four-match suspension for dangerous contact during last weekend's match against the Wests Tigers.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says they will no longer tolerate any form of social media abuse directed at players, officials or league personnel.
"Any fan who racially abuses or threatens our players will be referred to police," Abdo says.
"I want to commend Latrell for the leadership role he is taking. We wholeheartedly support Latrell in reporting this matter. He is a leader in the fight against racism in our community."
