Super Rugby Pacific conclude racism investigation after claim ‘could not be substantiated’
Fijian Drua scrum-half Frank Lomani and the man alleged to have racially abused him.
Super Rugby Pacific will not take any further action after Frank Lomani was allegedly the victim of racial abuse during a Fijian Drua match.
The incident took place after the scrum-half was sent off for elbowing Melbourne Rebels lock Josh Canham on April 5.
Lomani was seen reacting to something a member of the crowd had said, with a supporter accused of shouting a racist slur towards the Drua player.
According to one witness, the fan called the Fiji star a “black c**t”, but the investigation has since concluded that the allegation “could not be substantiated”.
Governing body’s statement
“Any report of racial abuse is taken seriously by the Competition and Competition Management, with the assistance of the Rebels and Rugby Australia, commenced an immediate investigation into the matter,” a Super Rugby statement read.
“A thorough investigation has now been completed into the allegation and based on the evidence available the allegation of racial abuse could not be substantiated.
“The Competition maintains a zero tolerance towards any anti-social behaviour by spectators and, while the Competition encourages fans to cheer for their team, it expects that respect should always be shown for others.
“Rugby prides itself on the values of respect and integrity and spectators must adhere to these values while attending matches.
“The Competition reminds everyone that strict penalties will be enforced for any behaviour that is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the ground of their religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin.”
‘Black c**t’ – Fiji star reportedly racially abused after red card for ‘cheap shot’
A Fijian Drua supporter, who was in attendance for the game in Melbourne, had alleged that Lomani was racially abused by Rebels supporters.
“Absolutely disgusted with a group of Rebel supporters who threw racial slurs at Frank Lomani tonight,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“They were becoming more obnoxious as they drank. So when Frank came off they proceeded to scream at him ‘F*** off’ and then the cherry on top ‘black c**t ’. AAMI security were hopeless, the Drua supporters asked security to eject them all.”
Life ban
A fan was subsequently ejected and Drua head coach Mick Byrne called for a life ban if the allegation was proven.
“It’s a disgrace,” Byrne told the Sydney Morning Herald after the match. “Our players need to be protected. It’s ridiculous that someone is going to come to a game and stoop to that level in 2024.
“It should be a safe place for players. They are doing their best every weekend.
“You lose your right to come and watch the football live. If they’re able to get hold of this guy and he is a Rebels member, then I would expect him to no longer be a member of the Rebels.
“Watch it at home in the safety of your own lounge room and you can say what you like because no one can hear you.
“There’s never been a reason to say it but in 2024, you have to be aware that it’s unacceptable behaviour. It’s ridiculous. These Fijian players provide some of the best spectacles of the game… and yet they’re exposed to this low behaviour. It blows my mind.”
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific boss slams alleged racial abuse and demands life ban
