Racism is a 'cancer in the game'
Racism is a 'cancer in the game'The Australian, AustraliaHowever, pressure is growing on both the
NRL and
Cronulla to take action against the NSW and Australia forward. If the allegations are founded, it is difficult to envisage Gallen remaining as captain. At the very least, Mundine and Searle believe an
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Source: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25531692-2722,00.html
Racism is a 'cancer in the game'
Brent Read and Dan Koch
May 25, 2009
ANTHONY Mundine last night claimed racism was a cancer in the NRL and called on chief executive David Gallop to step in and take action against Paul Gallen following allegations he racially abused St George Illawarra's Mickey Paea during Saturday night's game.
As the NRL found itself again gripped by controversy, Mundine, a former NRL star who is now a world boxing champion, wasn't the only prominent figure with Gallen in his sights.
Gold Coast managing director Michael Searle called on the Sharks captain to make a full and unreserved apology to the indigenous community as well as other nationalities in the game.
Gallen, who appears likely to escape sanction by the NRL because Paea did not lodge a formal complaint, declined to comment on allegations he called the Dragons forward a "black ...." when contacted yesterday.
However, pressure is growing on both the NRL and Cronulla to take action against the NSW and Australia forward.
If the allegations are founded, it is difficult to envisage Gallen remaining as captain. At the very least, Mundine and Searle believe an apology is in order.
"It's a disgrace if that did happen and nothing is done about it," Mundine said.
"I think Mickey Paea should be encouraged and supported to stand up against that sort of stuff because it's been going on for too long and it has to be stopped.
"It's like a cancer in the game and the NRL has to come down hard on it. That's one of the reasons I left the game."
Mundine, preparing for his world title fight against Daniel Geale in Brisbane on Wednesday night, made a racism allegation against former Bulldogs forward Barry Ward a decade ago when he was playing with the Dragons.
Despite turning his back on the game in 2000 to pursue a boxing career, Mundine believes racism remains rife in the NRL.
He also claimed Paea was a victim of the culture in the game, which he said discouraged Aboriginal and islander players from standing up for themselves.
"Mickey Paea seems like a shy kid," Mundine said.
"He probably doesn't want the heat on him so there's no way he was going to say anything.
"That's the culture that exists in the game. They feel like the system is against them. The league isn't run by islanders.
"But David Gallop should step in and do something about it. With all the stuff that has been going on at the moment, the NRL probably doesn't want any more **** in the game, but it would be a positive thing if they clamped down hard and put a stop to racism.
"If they are serious about wanting to get racism out of the game, and a player said that, he should get fined big money and suspended for 10 matches. They've got to deal with it the way they have with other things like the judiciary and referees."
Mundine's allegation against Ward was not an isolated incident. Four years ago, Dean Widders was lauded for going public after being racially slurred by then-South Sydney captain Bryan Fletcher. Fletcher was stripped of the captaincy, fined and suspended for one game.
Last year, Penrith captain Petero Civoniceva was racially abused by Eels supporters at Parramatta Stadium. The NRL acted in those cases because the player on the receiving end made a formal complaint.
However, Paea told The Australian last night he had forgiven Gallen and reiterated he would not press for a formal allegation.
"It's done and dusted," Paea said. "I have already moved on. He apologised. He's sorry."
Following Paea's interview, the NRL again contacted St George Illawarra officials.
"On the basis of the comments that were given to The Australian we again approached the Dragons to ask them were they prepared to go on with this matter. And they again, after checking with the player, reiterated that the player will not be giving a statement to the NRL and did not want to take the matter any further," NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said.
"However, as a result of the comments the NRL intends to continue its investigation tomorrow to determine if any action is required."
While Paea is willing to let it rest, others aren't. Searle, who is attempting to celebrate the game's indigenous players with an annual game, was livid.
"It is completely inappropriate and is something our game cannot, and I would like to think will not, tolerate," Searle said.
"No one can even attempt to justify or defend it. I understand blokes are out there in the heat of the battle but that is no excuse.
"It is not in the code, it is one fool making an inappropriate comment in the heat of the game.
"He needs to come out and apologise not just to (Paea) but to the entire Australian indigenous and all the other different communities in our game that would find that offensive.
"This is the 21st century and that sort of crap isn't acceptable."
Brisbane and Queensland forward Sam Thaiday claimed the game's culture needed to be celebrated and warned racism needed to be stamped out.
"It is a touchy subject, but what it comes down to is the fact there is just no need for it," Thaiday said.
"There is never any need to speak like that out there. It is out of line and it is offensive.
"Whatever punishment the NRL come up with, I will back because it is important to deal with these things."
