NRL bans two spectators for racially abusing Greg Inglis

The NRL has issued an indefinite ban on two spectators who racially abused South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis in their game against Penrith Panthers.

The NRL have banned the two spectators from attending NRL events until it is proven they have rehabilitated themselves by addressing their behaviour in an apology and completing a cultural training and education programme.

On Easter Monday, breach notices were issued to the two individuals for their actions during the game on Saturday, March 17.

Linda Burney, Australian Rugby League indigenous council chair, said: “Naturally I am appalled at what happened to Greg, especially given my immense respect for him as an indigenous leader and his status as one of the best indigenous players of all time.

“But the NRL has taken the right approach by allowing the persons responsibly to return to rugby league only after they have undergone appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural training and have issued an apology to Greg and indigenous community leaders for their comments.

“The best way to stop a repetition of this type of behaviour is through education.

“I am also pleased that senior indigenous leaders from the game will help decide whether the person responsible is ready to return to games.”

Rabbitohs general manager, Shane Richardson, added: “We agree with the notices that have been handed to the people involved and we hope that this is the next step in stamping out these kinds of incidents at sporting events and in society.”