Rugby chiefs investigate allegation Fijian star was racially abused by Rebels fan

SANZAAR has opened an investigation into claims that a Melbourne Rebels fan made a racist slur against a Fijian Drua player on Friday during a Super Rugby match.

Following an incident in the second half of the contest at AAMI Park, Fijian star Frank Lomani was obviously upset. The event transpired subsequent to the halfback receiving a red card for pushing Rebels second-row player Josh Canham in the back of the head during a ruck.

Lomani made his way to the bench and then turned around to face the audience, as seen on Stan Sport cameras.

“The tournament has been made aware of a potential off-field incident between a player and spectator during the second half of the Melbourne Rebels versus Fijian Drua match on Friday [5 April] evening and is investigating,” SANZAAR tournament director Matt Barlow stated in a statement sent to this masthead.

The Rebels are aiding in the probe, and the Drua have been asked for comment.

A representative for RA stated, “The Rebels are supporting tournament management with their investigations.”

The Drua and Lomani have not yet submitted an official complaint to SANZAAR.

Neisau Tuidraki, a Drua fan who attended the Melbourne match, shared her story on social networking platform X.

“Frank Lomani was subjected to racist taunts by a group of Rebel supporters tonight, and I am deeply offended,” Tuidraki wrote.

The more they drank, the more annoying they became. Thus, they yelled at Frank, “F— off,” and then “black c—” as the icing on the cake. The Drua fans begged security to remove them all because they thought AAMI security was worthless.

Following the purported incident, a guy was forced to leave AAMI Park.

In their 41-20 defeat, the Drua also had Jone Koroiduadua sent off six minutes from the end.

One of the top rugby players in Fiji, Lomani assisted his team in a thrilling upset victory over the Wallabies during the Rugby World Cup pool stages the previous year.

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