Panthers probe closing in on Inglis abuser
PENRITH officials have identified several suspects in their search for the fan who allegedly racially vilified South Sydney star Greg Inglis at Panthers Stadium on Saturday.
The Panthers finished their investigation yesterday and forwarded all details – including CCTV footage, still-frame images and security reports – to the NRL integrity unit.
Inglis was allegedly called a “black dog” by a fan when being assisted from the field for a concussion test during South Sydney’s 18-14 loss.
News Corp understands the Panthers have pinpointed “people of interest”.
“We have supplied them (the NRL) with all the information,” Panthers group CEO, Brian Fletcher said.
Fletcher and Penrith general manager of football, Phil Gould, have spent the past 48 hours attempting to locate the culprit.
Penrith are waiting to be told whether the NRL will take over the investigation or whether police will be called to conduct interviews.
Asked had Penrith fingered the culprit, Fletcher said: “I can’t say that at this stage.”
News Corp yesterday spoke to an eyewitness to the incident, who said the comment was “loud, clear and there were kids round.”
Several people who sat around the tunnel area, where Inglis was abused, are under scrutiny. A least three were seen to be roaring at Inglis.
“It’s difficult in crowded venues around tunnels, spotting people and identifying people,” said NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, who reached out to Inglis on Sunday afternoon.
“It was appalling, disgusting. There was a great crowd there, a great game of footy, and it’s particularly disappointing that one person can spoil some of those headlines.
“If we find this culprit, we will throw the book at him.
“I know Greg personally and I have developed a relationship with him. When I heard what had been said, I wanted to make sure he realised that it’s not what rugby league stands for.”