Swire Shipping Fijian Drua half back Frank Lomani received racial abuse during their clash against the Rebels on Friday.
Shortly after being sent to the sideline after a red card, a Rebels fan from the stands hurled a racial slur at Lomani, before being escorted out of the AMMI Park Stadium by security.
A statement by the Fijian Drua stated they were shocked by the racial abuse suffered by one of their players during Friday night’s match.
“The Fijian Drua are shocked at the racial abuse suffered by one of our players during Friday night’s match against the Rebels in Melbourne. “There is no place for racism of any kind anywhere,” the statement read.
Footage was released on social media shortly after the match, which showed the Rebels fan being escorted out of the stands after reportedly racially abusing Lomani.
“The actions of one or two individuals will not affect the warm relationship we have with rugby fans in Melbourne which is truly one of the world’s great sporting cities.
“We will return to Melbourne this very week as the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women take on Rebels women in the crucial final round of Buildcorp Super Rugby Women.
“We look forward to meeting and engaging with as many fans as possible at AAMI Park on Saturday.”
The Drua also thanked the Rebels for reaching out with an apology for what unfolded on Friday night.
“We are thankful to the Melbourne Rebels for reaching out with an apology and for assuring us that an investigation to identify the person(s) at fault is underway.
“We note that the tournament (SRP) is also independently assessing the matter. We’re also providing Frank Lomani with the support he needs currently.”
