SLUR LEAVES BAD TASTE IN MOUTHS
TRL investigates racial taunt
RUGBY LEAGUE: The TRL community has come together after a shocking allegation of racism occurred at a fixture game on the weekend.
A racial slur from a member of the crowd was reported by a club official during the Warwick and Goondiwindi match on Friday night at Father Ranger Oval in Warwick.
As officials continue to investigate the matter, TRL chairman Brian Gilroy was on the front foot saying there was no room in the league for it.
“From what we understand there was one individual in the crowd who seemed to be shouting racist comments at one player in the Goondiwindi side,” Gilroy said.
“It came to light because a coach detected it and reported it to the duty official and myself.
“We’ve made some investigations (but there has been) no way to identify the individual.”
The message from Gilroy was blunt for those thinking about making racist comments in the future.
“There is no place for it in our grounds. If people can’t act civil or with some manners, stay home,” he said.
“Football is supposed to be fun for everyone to come along and play.
“There’s no place for it any more, and there never was.”
Gilroy said the incident was a shock to the league, and disappointing that it was happening in this present day. “It’s disappointing and is unfortunate in our society,” he said. “We all know there are people out there who act and think like that, and they are a shrinking minority. “The reaction to this, sometime in the past it wouldn’t have caused such a thing. Nowadays it is a bit of a shock to see those sorts of comments and action.” Gilroy said the league possessed the power to ban spectators found guilty of unruly behaviour, including comments that were out of line. “We have various sanctions for spectators. We can ban people, and have done so for misbehaviour in the past,” he said. “There was a five-year ban handed out to a parent last year, and it’s happened twice this year already for other matters where people were asked to leave club games.” The matter is being investigated by the Warwick Cowboys as the club continues to make enquiries, however president David O’Leary had a strong message on the issue in rugby league. “I don’t want it in our club. We won’t tolerate it.”