A rival person has accused an indigenous American rugby league player of using a racial slur against him during a hotly anticipated game in Las Vegas.
Ezra Mam, a member of the Brisbane Broncos, claims Spencer Leniu called him a “monkey.”
When questioned about the issue following the game, the Sydney Roosters prop responded that “nothing” had occurred and that “it’s all only fun and games on the industry.”
Although there have been numerous racist incidents involving people in American sports, they are not unusual.
Officials from the National Rugby League ( NRL ) are looking into the claim, which has overshadowed the season’s start.
As part of a star round intended to draw in a US market to Australia’s top-tier rivals, the two teams squared off at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, local occasion, the same venue as next month’s Super Bowl.
Mam may be heard telling the umpire of the admitted slang during the Broncos ‘ 20-point loss, while another partner repeatedly repeats the claim.
At Mam’s demand, the referee claimed to never speak the language but had lodged a formal grievance.
Leniu has been accused of violating the sport’s behavior code, and he will experience a court screen, which will hear evidence and have the authority to impose penalties, including match suspensions and fines.
After the game, Broncos manager Kevin Walters stated that Mam was “adamant” the epithet had been used and was “pretty annoyed.”
You would n’t think this is still out there in this day and age, said team captain Adam Reynolds.
” We will support Ezra, get around him, make sure he’s all right,” Ezra said.” We certainly do n’t stand for racism.
Trent Robinson, the Roosters ‘ coach, claimed he had n’t spoken to Leniu about the allegation.
” [Mam ] obviously made the complaint, but that does n’t imply that it’s correct. According to him, it will go through the conventional approach as it should.
Additionally, it has been reported that the pair’s colleagues later engaged in verbal altercation in a motel hallway.
In recent years, the NRL has struggled to stop racist abuse that fans have directed at people.
People like South Sydney Rabbitohs sun Latrell Mitchell have frequently reported verbal abuse, both online and during matches.
Mitchell, who also leads the Indigenous All Stars, publicly backed Mam and demanded activity from group officials on Sunday.
He said,” I stand with you.”
The NRL’s top athletes have pledged to end prejudice in the game, and they are also stating that any racist abuse or threat made against players will be reported to the police.
