Teenager allegedly racially abused Latrell Mitchell issued warning from NSW police

A teenage boy identified as racially abusing Latrell Mitchell during an NRL match has been spared criminal charges after receiving a formal warning from NSW police.

The 14-year-old is said to have directed racist comments at Mitchell as players left the field at half-time in South Sydney’s 16-10 defeat to Penrith last Thursday.

The incident sparked calls for the NRL to ban spectators for life, and Rabbitt’s coach, Jason Demetriou, vowed that Rabbitt would report the matter to the police.

On Thursday, New South Wales Police confirmed they had met with the suspect and closed an investigation.

“Following an investigation by officers affiliated with Nepean Police Regional Command, a 14-year-old boy was spoken to and given a warning under the Young Offenders Act,” NSW Police said in a statement.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the teenager took issue with his comments being racist.

The NRL has confirmed to the AAP that the investigation is continuing.

“The Conservation Division is in contact with police and will complete its own investigation shortly,” said an NRL official.

Ahead of Mitchell’s first game since the incident, Demetriou said he drew strength from the outpouring of support received by fullbacks — the men of Bilipi and Wiradjuli — receiving.

“The support from the game especially from our club and everyone associated with it and the way the NRL handled it was top notch,” said Demetriou.

“[Mitchell] It’s got a lot of support and he’s gotten a lot of confidence from it. ”

Mitchell and Rabbit will face traditional rivals the Sydney Roosters on Friday.

The last time both teams met, Roosters fans subjected Mitchell, who had won two premierships with the Tricolors before joining South Sydney, to a barrage of boos.

The Roosters players urged supporters to take it easy on Mitchell this time around, but Demetriou said his first player would draw a lot of support from the Gameday loyal Rabbitohs.

“If people want to boo, that’s their choice,” said Demetriou.

“They weren’t booing him because he was indigenous, they were booing him because he was a Rabbit player.

“He’s got a good reputation, there’s a lot of Rabbit supporters out there, and he’ll get great support from them.”

AAP