The Rabbitohs are fuming after the NRL flagged the idea of Latrell Mitchell’s abuser meeting the South Sydney superstar, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The NRL floated the possibility of the teenager who abused Mitchell in Penrith in round two meeting the Rabbitohs fullback, suggesting it could help educate the perpetrator.
But South Sydney is of the opinion that meeting Mitchell would be rewarding disgraceful behaviour.
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The Rabbitohs claim the abuse was racist but the teenager maintains it was not.
“We do not believe a meeting would be of any benefit in this situation,” a South Sydney spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“There are thousands of people at matches every week behaving perfectly well, who would love to meet Latrell. Why should those who don’t behave get the opportunity to meet any great player in the game?”
While New South Wales Police have closed the matter by handing the teenage a warning, the NRL is yet to finish its investigation.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo is thrilled with the rugby league community’s response to the abuse of Mitchell.
“What I’m pleased about is the way the game always rallies behind anyone that is affected by this,” Abdo said a day after the incident.
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“I want to commend Latrell Mitchell for his leadership in calling out this action (and) all of the players last night, from both teams, who worked together to assist in getting all the facts and making sure that these situations don’t happen in the future.”
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Abdo also said it would be “incredibly disappointing” if racism was to force Mitchell out of the game, which was the case with Sydney Swans legend Adam Goodes in 2015.
“That’s a long way away,” Abdo said.
“Latrell’s an incredible player, but he’s also a leader in his community. He does unbelievable work off the field. He’s passionate about helping young people develop.”
Mitchell and his Rabbitohs will next face the Bulldogs in the traditional Good Friday match between South Sydney and Canterbury at Stadium Australia.
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