The head coach of the Fijian Drua, Mick Byrne, branded the alleged racist taunts aimed at one of his players “a disgrace” and demanded that the offending fan receive a lifelong ban.
SANZAAR has opened an inquiry following claims that a Melbourne Rebels fan referred to Fijian player Frank Lomani as a “black c—” during Friday’s Super Rugby match.
Frank Lomani of the Fijian Drua was sent off after elbowing Rebels player Josh Canham in the back of the head.
Following an altercation in the second half of the game at AAMI Park, Lomani was clearly rattled. The event transpired subsequent to the halfback receiving a red card for pushing Rebels second-row player Josh Canham in the back of the head during a ruck.
Lomani made his way to the bench and then turned around to face the audience, as seen on Stan Sport cameras.
Bryne told this masthead on Sunday, “It’s a disgrace.” “Our athletes must be safeguarded. That someone would attend a game in 2024 and descend to that level is absurd. The players should feel safe there. Every weekend, they give it their all.
“The tournament has been made aware of a potential off-field incident between a player and spectator during the second half of the Melbourne Rebels versus Fijian Drua match on Friday [5 April] evening and is investigating,” SANZAAR tournament director Matt Barlow stated in a statement sent to this masthead.
On Saturday morning, the Rebels made contact with the Drua and are assisting with the inquiry. Baden Stephenson, the former chief executive of the Rebels who was laid go in February, is investigating the situation in his current position as the Drua’s temporary general manager.
Neisau Tuidraki, a Drua fan who attended the Melbourne match, shared her story of the incident on social media.
We were pleased that the Rebels had contacted us early on Saturday morning to indicate that they are looking into it. Since then, we’ve spoken on the phone. He is a powerful man.
“My assumption is that they’re attempting to convey a message of support. He must never attend another rugby match.
In their 41-20 defeat, the Drua also had Jone Koroiduadua sent off six minutes from the end.
