The NRL has been going over the evidence,which includes a dossier produced by the Panthers containing witness statements and footage from the venue. Regardless of whether accusations of racist taunts stick,the Panthers are likely to ban several fans for antisocial behaviour during the match.
Inglis declined to delve into the details when he fronted at a State of Origin ticket launch in Queensland on Wednesday. However,he made it clear racism is totally unacceptable.
“Without a doubt,I think racism in Australian society is appalling,” Inglis said.
“That’s it,full stop. It has to stop.”
The NRL integrity unit is attempting to finalise the matter by the end of the week,but the task of finding the alleged culprit is a difficult one. Footage of the incident shows that Inglis and his teammates didn’t react to comments,or look up at the perpetrators,as they were coming from the field. Many of the witness reports are contradictory,including the words said to be directed at the Rabbitohs star.
The NRL expanded the scope of the investigation to include alleged homophobic slurs aimed at match officials. Referees Henry Perenara and David Munro were pelted with abuse after the game and head office is now scrutinising some of those comments.
“We are happy the NRL is dealing with it and we will leave it in their capable hands,” said Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) boss Silvio Del Vecchio.