Just two weeks into the new season, the NRL is grappling with an alleged racial attack on one of its star players - South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell.
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has called for lifetime bans on the teenage culprit, who confronted Mitchell at halftime of the 16-10 loss to reigning champions Penrith Panthers at BlueBet Stadium.
The fan was subsequently ejected by security.
"It's not a claim, it happened," insisted Demetriou. "It's not the first time we've come here as a club and our players have been racially abused.
"Where does it end? It's just not on.
"I shouldn't have to be able to come here as a coach and lead a team for players to be abused. We have to stamp it out completely.
"NRL clubs have to get rid of it or give life bans."
Five years ago, then-Souths fullback Greg Inglis was also subjected to racial abuse at the same venue.
"Any form of racism or vilification will not be tolerated in our sport," said NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo. "We are working with the stadium and the club to get all the facts.
"The Integrity Unit will investigate fully. We will stand behind our players and commend them for calling out this behaviour."
Penrith Panthers confirm they are aware of the incident and are working with the NRL investigation, but Demetriou was clearly heated afterwards.
"Latrell is a real role model in our game," he said. "We love him at our club and he stands for all Indigenous people.
"He's sick of it... why wouldn't he be? He should be able to come here as a star of our game and not be racially abused.
"Anyone who wants to give racial abuse, get them out of the game, we don't want their support. It's got to end.
"Get them out of the game."
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