Following the vile racial abuse suffered by Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba, the sport’s governing body have released a statement offering support and reminding fans of rugby league’s zero tolerance stance on racism.
Wigan Warriors played St Helens in the final game of Super League Magic Weekend in a derby clash that was brutal in nature but the win was less sweet after discriminatory racial abuse was aimed at star forward Junior Nsemba.
The England international, who suffered a hamstring injury in the game, was the subject of what the Rugby Football League have now called ‘abhorrent’ abuse with the governing body the latest to make a statement on the matter.
Wigan Warriors publicly condemned the abuse and confirmed that the authorities, the RFL and social media platforms had been informed to ensure that action was taken, and now the RFL have issued a similar statement urging for racism to be stamped out of the sport.
“Rugby League has a Zero Tolerance approach to racism and all forms of discrimination,” a statement from the governing body read.
“We are aware of the abhorrent remarks made to Wigan Warriors and England player Junior Nsemba, which we condemn completely.
“No person should suffer racist abuse at any time or in any manner.”
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RFL working with police after racist remark made towards Junior Nsemba
The RFL would confirm that they are offering Junior Nsemba their ‘full support’ as an update was issued on the search to find the alleged perpetrator.
It was confirmed that the name associated to the profile which posted the vile remarks is not on either the RFL’s or St Helens’ ticketing systems, however, both the governing body remain in contact with the clubs and the police over the matter.
They explained: “The alleged perpetrator is not on either our or St Helens’ systems as a fan or ticket purchaser but we are working with both clubs and the police as investigations continue.
“Thankfully, such instances of racism are rare in rugby league but we aim to stamp it out completely.”
