The Oaks Tigers, the other club involved in last weekend’s under 18s brawl that has rocked rugby league in Macarthur, has also issued a public statement slamming racial abuse in the game.
“The Oaks Tigers SRLFC wishes to make it unequivocally clear that we do not tolerate, support or condone racism, discrimination, abuse, violence, intimidation or anti-social behaviour in any form,’’ the club said.
“Such behaviour has no place in our Club, our game or our community, whether it involves players, officials, volunteers or spectators.
“We are aware that various images, videos and commentary have been circulated on social media in recent days. Some of this content relates to incidents from previous seasons and is not connected to the events that occurred at our match last weekend.
“We ask that people exercise caution when sharing information online and avoid drawing conclusions based on unrelated or misleading content.
“The Club also strongly condemns the use of social media to make threats, abuse or intimidate individuals. The Oaks Tigers SRLFC does not support or endorse this behaviour under any circumstances, regardless of who it is directed towards.
“The Oaks Tigers SRLFC is proud to be an inclusive and welcoming club. Our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and life experiences, and we value the diversity that strengthens our Club.
“We remain committed to fostering an environment built on respect, sportsmanship and inclusion for everyone involved,’’ the club said.
In the wake of the violent brawl that erupted at the end of the U18 Gold game between the Tigers and Campbelltown Collegians, the latter have had 10 of their players “banned’’ although the NSWRL has not formally confirmed this.
It is also unconfirmed that two Tigers fans allegedly involved in scuffles with Collegians players have been charged by Camden Police.
In their statement, Oaks Tigers acknowledges that the matter is being managed by the NSWRL.
“We will fully support the governing body’s disciplinary process and accept any decisions or sanctions resulting from its investigation,’’ the club said in its statement.
“Regarding the incident involving spectators outside the playing area after the match, this matter is currently being investigated by NSW Police.
“As it is now subject to an active police investigation, it would be inappropriate for the Club to make any further comment while those processes are underway.
Finally, we ask all spectators attending our matches, whether supporting The Oaks Tigers or the opposition, to conduct themselves respectfully and in a manner that reflects the values of our game. Any form of anti-social, abusive or discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.’’
