The Newcastle Knights’ season has been thrown into even more disarray after it was revealed that the club was investigating an alleged racist remark made by a staff member.
According to Newcastle Heraldthe complaint was made after a lower-grade indigenous player was told to “stop playing like a blackfella and get back to structure”.
Newcastle are reportedly investigating the alleged racist remark, and are taking the matter very seriously.
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According to the Herald, it was not the player in question who raised the complaint to the Knights.
“I can confirm the process if there are any allegations of racial vilification,” Knights chief executive Phil Gardner said told Newcastle Herald.
“They will be handled very firmly by the club.
“The outcomes could lead to a range of sanctions, which could be suspended, ends or
“Anyone found guilty would be dealt with on that basis, although it’s very important that allegations aren’t treated as truth or fact, because it could impact on those people in their future careers … if it’s not factual, it shouldn’t be reported .”
This investigation it not at all linked to David Klemmer’s situation at the club, after he was given a show cause notice after an on-field incident.
Klemmer allegedly refused to leave the field and verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during the Knights’ 14-point loss to the Bulldogs.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday that claimed the star forward had called the trainer a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.
Journalist Brent Read understands that the former Blues representative had apologized to coach Adam O’Brien over text message.
While the prop has been dropped for this weekend’s clash with the Wests Tigers, amid earlier reports that he could have his contract torn up, it’s believed that he could return next weekend.
Originally published as Under-fire Newcastle Knights rocked as racism allegations revealed
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