Fijian Drua statement: Ugly scenes at AAMI Park

Following unpleasant events during their match against the Melbourne, in which a fan was removed for reportedly harassing Frank Lomani based only on his race, the Fijian Drua released a statement.

Due to several instances of poor discipline on the part of the Fijian Drua players, the game grew ugly, and the team eventually finished with just 13 men.

Drua intentionally fouled former Rebels halfback Lomani by elbowing the back of lock Josh Canham’s head, earning him a red card.
Lomani was verbally attacked by fans as he made his way to the sidelines, and at least one of them was later kicked out of the stadium for insulting the halfback in a racist manner.

Regarding the event, the Melbourne Rebels have expressed regret to the Fijian Drua.

“The Fijian Drua are shocked at the alleged racial abuse suffered by one of our players during Friday night’s match against the Rebels in Melbourne,” the Drua said in a statement. It is obvious that racism of any type has no place anywhere. Each of us has an obligation to keep staff members and players safe from circumstances that violate the principles of our game.

“We appreciate the Melbourne Rebels apologizing and informing us that an inquiry is being conducted to determine who or what is at fault. We take note of the fact that the Tournament [SRP] is evaluating the situation on its own. Additionally, we’re giving Frank Lomani the assistance he requires right now.The friendly relationship we have with rugby supporters in Melbourne, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting towns in the world, will not be impacted by the alleged conduct of one or two people.

This coming week, we’ll be back in Melbourne for the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s pivotal championship match between the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women and the Rebels women. We’re excited to interact and mingle with as many supporters at AAMI Park on Saturday.

A SANZAAR disciplinary committee will hear cases involving Lomani and Fijian Drua prop Jone Koroiduadua, who was also red-carded for “Physical abuse” of an opposition player after an incident that occurred 54 minutes into the game. Koroiduadua was sent off for head-butting Rebels hooker Alex Mafi, and he was replaced on the bench by Lomani.

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