The man who called NRL star Petero Civoniceva a “monkey” and told him to “get back into your tree” has been handed a five-year ban from attending any NRL match, after making a half-hearted apology for his comments.
Civoniceva has welcomed the ban.
“I’m hopeful that this ban will serve as a deterrent to others and that it sends the message that the game will not tolerate the abuse that I was subjected to last Sunday,” Civoniceva said in a statement today.
“We all need to be mindful of the environment that we create at the game and that it is welcoming to both home and opposition fans. Enjoying the game in a safe and friendly manner is the best way to show support of you team.”
The Eels fan, who taunted the Penrith Panthers captain during last Sunday’s match at Parramatta Stadium, has submitted an apology to the Panthers.
But Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the apology did not go far enough, and backed the NRL’s ban.
“The offender who said the words to Petero Civoniceva, he has sent through an apology of sorts,” Fitzgerald said.
“However, it wasn’t what you might call a good apology, and the NRL has banned that person from attending any NRL match until 2013.
“So, basically, a five-year ban.
“I am happy with that. I think it sends out the message loud and clear to everyone that racial abuse will not be tolerated on the field or off the field or at any NRL venue.”
NRL boss David Gallop said the ban sends a message to rugby league fans.
“The simple message is that we won’t tolerate racial abuse against our players,” Gallop said.
“With the assistance of the NSW Police we have a strong system in place to ensure that trouble makers can be removed and it is one that works in the interest of all fans and players.”
No further charges will be laid by police, but a breach of the ban could lead to prosecution and a further life ban.
