‘Blackface’ photo sparks TRL probe
A TOOWOOMBA Rugby League club has come under fire after a “Mad Monday” celebration photo featuring people in what appears to be blackface was posted to social media before being removed after a severe backlash.
The image obtained by The Chronicle appears to show one Highfields Eagles senior rugby league player dressed in “blackface” as Michael Jordan and another dressed as Usain Bolt.
The image briefly appeared on the club’s Facebook page and was condemned by members of the public before being removed.
“The club is aware of the image and the allegations and is in communication with Toowoomba Rugby League to discuss the appropriate course of action,” a Highfields Eagles spokesman said.
TRL chairman Joe Hannant confirmed the incident is under investigation.
“The TRL has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to inappropriate behaviour of any nature,” he said.
“We are aware of this alleged incident and have started an investigation.
“We are currently in the process of collecting all the necessary information needed so that we can best determine the appropriate course of action.”
Brothers Rugby League club president and respected south west Queensland Indigenous community leader Lizzie Adams condemned the use of blackface.
Ms Adams, who has been a key figure in a campaign to call out and heavily punish racist behaviour in the community this year, was shocked and disgusted by the latest incident.
“I really don’t know what to say anymore,” Ms Adams said.
“With all that has been going on lately, when you look and think about the current environment, how does this even happen?
“Even if that is your favourite athlete or player, why would a non-Indigenous person dress up like that?
“It’s completely inappropriate and very insensitive.” The blackface image is the latest in a string of incidents related to racism that have engulfed the TRL in recent weeks.
A Pittsworth man is currently appealing the severity and length of his 10-year ban after being caught on video racially taunting a player.
The man in August pleaded guilty to conduct which is or is likely to bring the game into disrepute and breaching any material terms of the
NRL Code of Conduct, and a TRL disciplinary tribunal punished the individual with a blanket decade-long exclusion order from all rugby league activities.
An appeal against the punishment was heard by the QRL Central Region Appeals Tribunal on September 15.
The tribunal has adjourned its decision on the man’s appeal against the 10year ban “to consider all evidence presented”.