An upset Ezra Mam has told Brisbane officials he is adamant Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu racially abused him in the NRL’s season-opening Las Vegas double-header.
Leniu was on Sunday (Monday AEDT) hit with a contrary conduct charge, with the NRL referring him straight to the judiciary. He could be forced to wait nine days to face judgement.
The incident allegedly occurred in the second half of the NRL’s season opener in Las Vegas following a penalty causing both teams to come together in a tussle.
Following the dispersal of the teams, Mam can be heard repeatedly telling referee Adam Gee, “he called me a monkey,” with an unknown teammate also repeating the same accusation.
Gee said he did not hear the alleged slur himself, and asked Mam if he wanted to make a formal complaint, to which Mam responded, “Yes I do”.
Gee brought both captains together, Adam Reynolds and James Tedesco, informing them that Mam made a formal complaint and that Leniu had been put on report.
“Ezra has made a formal complaint that is racial in nature against Spencer,” Gee told the two players.
“I haven’t heard it, but the incident goes on report and it will be dealt with after. That’s where it’s left.”
Broncos officials and teammates have said their star play maker broke down into tears.
“He’s pretty upset in there, but we’ll leave that in the hands of the NRL to police and adjudicate on,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said in the press conference.
“We support Ezra and our player with everything around that.”
“He’s adamant. We’ll leave it with the NRL. They’re looking at it.”
Captain and teammate Adam Reynolds, threw his support behind Mam.
“In this day and age, you wouldn’t think this is still out there,” Reynolds said.
“We certainly don’t stand for racism and we’ll support Ezra and get around him, make sure he’s alright.”
‘It’s all fun and games’
In an on-field post-match interview, the accused Spencer Leniu commented on the incident by saying, “It’s all fun and games when we’re on the field.”
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said it was important process was followed.
“It’ll go through the formal process as it should.”
Outpouring of support online for Mam
Many have taken to social media to show their support, sharing an image posted last year by Mam during the NRL’s Indigenous round wearing a traditional Dhari from the Torres Strait.
Ezra Mam during last year’s Indigenous round. Credit: Instagram: @ezra.mam
Sharing the image with the caption, “I stand with Ezra”, and “We see you bala”.
Latrell Mitchell has also demanded the NRL take action, posting to Instagram: “I stand with you Bala. (The NRL) better deal with this s**t”.
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