WIGAN WARRIORS have condemned the racial abuse suffered by Junior Nsemba in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend.
Nsemba, who starred for Wigan in their 16-14 win over St Helens at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, was targeted in an abusive social media post.
The Warriors have taken a strong stance in response.
Their statement reads: “Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club is proud to be an inclusive, welcoming and respectful club, representing people from all backgrounds across our community.
“Rugby League is a sport built on togetherness, respect and opportunity, and there is no place within our club, our game or wider society for racism or discrimination of any kind.
“The club is aware of racist remarks made on social media about one of our players. We are appalled by the comments and condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
“Our player has the full support of everyone at Wigan Warriors, including teammates, staff, the Board and our supporters.
“No individual should be subjected to racist abuse, whether online, in person or in any other setting.
“Racism must be called out, condemned and eradicated.
“We will report such matters through the appropriate channels and will work with the relevant authorities, the Rugby Football League and social media platforms to ensure they are investigated and dealt with properly.
“Wigan Warriors will continue to stand against racism and all forms of discrimination.
“We remain committed to using our voice and platforms to promote inclusion, respect and equality, and to ensure our club and our sport are places where everyone feels they belong.”
Warriors coach Matt Peet has also expressed his disgust, revealing: “We’ve spoken about it as a group.
“We’re not having it, I’m not having it, and all his teammates and everyone at the club are 100 percent behind him.
“I think as a game we are better than that. It needs to be stamped out and it’s not something we are about.
“The people that do that are hiding beyond keyboards and phones. Our club is open and if any of them want to come and speak to us or Junior then we are always open to having a conversation.
“There was so much good stuff that happened over the weekend, such as promoting the game as community-orientated and inclusive.
“But if those people are associated with the game then we need to take care of this and make sure it doesn’t get brushed under the carpet.”
Nsemba will miss the next month of rugby league action with a hamstring injury.