Racial abuse mars Penrith victory
PETER V’landys has vowed “action will be swift and hard” after ugly racial abuse allegations directed at Penrith winger Brent Naden overshadowed a record ninth-straight victory for the NRL competition leaders in Gosford.
The ARL Commission chairman was quick to jump on the claims after a group of spectators were kicked out of Central Coast Stadium late in the first half of the 18-12 win over the Warriors.
It is alleged the abuse came from a group of mostly Warriors spectators who were seated near the sideline.
Naden reported the incident to a sideline official during the run of play before the group was turfed out.
It was a disgusting lowlight in what was otherwise an absorbing performance from both teams, with the Panthers reclaiming the top spot.
V’landys was furious when contacted by News Corp.
“Racial abuse will not be tolerated in the game under any circumstances and we will take the strongest action possible once we have the facts,” V’landys said.
“It’s not clear what was said yet. However our action will be swift and hard.”
Warriors chief executive
Cameron George also spoke for the entire rugby league community when he condemned the behaviour.
“We do not condone any racial remarks towards anyone playing rugby league or in general and we completely support a tough stance against such behaviour,” said George.
The NRL will now investigate the incident with the fans certain to face long bans.
The Panthers were near perfect in the first half. The second half not so much. But ultimately two points is what it is all about and Penrith rack them up by the week.
The Panthers have not lost since going down to Parramatta 16-10 back in Round 5.
While they only scored a sole penalty goal in the second half, they did enough in the first to hold on after leading 16-0 right up until moments before the halftime break.