Fiji’s Frank Lomani called ‘black c—’ by fan as Melbourne Rebels launch racism investigation

The Melbourne Rebels have apologized to Frank Lomani, the scrum-half for Fiji, who was allegedly branded a “black c—” by one of the team’s fans last week while he was playing for Fijian Drua.

Lomani was sent off in the second half for dangerously elbowing Josh Canham in the back of the head. On Monday, a foul play review committee will evaluate Lomani’s red card.

Television footage showed Lomani sitting down on the bench, then getting up and aggressively pushing his chair as he turned to face the crowd. Following that, a complaint of racist abuse was filed; according to accounts from Australia, Lomani was allegedly dubbed a “black c—.”

Later, footage obtained by 9News in Australia showed a fan wearing a Rebels shirt and scarf being taken off by stadium staff while another fan nearby yelled, “racist” and “shame on you.”

“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 team said in a statement released on Monday. 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 person is responsible. We observe that Super Rugby Pacific, the tournament, is also doing an independent assessment of the situation. Additionally, we’re giving Frank Lomani the assistance he requires right now.

“The friendly relationship we have with rugby fans in Melbourne, which is genuinely one of the greatest sporting cities in the world, will not be impacted by the alleged actions of one or two individuals.”

Lomani was a crucial component of Fiji’s journey to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals the previous year, helping the team defeat Australia.

The Sydney Morning Herald was informed by Fijian Drua’s head coach Mick Byrne that the spectator ought to be banned for life.

“It’s a scandal,” Byrne declared. “Our athletes must be safeguarded. That someone would attend a game in 2024 and descend to that level is absurd.

“You forfeit your right to attend and see the live football match. I would anticipate that this man would leave the Rebels if they manage to capture him and he is a member of the group. You can watch it in the privacy of your own living room at home, where no one can hear you say whatever you want.

“It’s never been appropriate to say this, but you have to understand that this is unacceptable behavior in 2024. It’s absurd. Even though these Fijian athletes produce some of the best displays in the game, they are subjected to this deplorable behavior. It’s mind-blowing.

Six minutes into the 41-20 loss, Fijian Drua’s second player, Jone Koroiduadua, received a red card for a headbutt.

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