Queensland lock Luke Bateman suffers homophobic slur in NSW?s U20s State of Origin victory
THE NRL will launch an investigation after Queensland lock Luke Bateman suffered a homophobic slur in a drama-charged finale to NSW?s thumping 30-8 under-20s Origin win.
The Baby Blues? third straight under-20s Origin victory was marred by a NSW player calling Bateman a ?f***ing gay c***? in a spirited affair at Penrith?s Sportingbet Stadium.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute, with Bateman abused by a Blues opponent after pushing a NSW teammate as a scrum was about to pack.
Referee Chris Sutton immediately looked at the NSW player in question, suggesting he heard the offensive remark.
The comment was clearly audible on Fox Sports? live coverage of the code?s premier junior representative fixture and the NRL will move to identify the offender
Rugby league is an inclusive sport and any form of vilification is unacceptable,? an NRL spokesman said.
?We will work with both the state leagues to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.?
NRL powerbrokers have previously adopted a hardline stance on racial slurs fired at former stars Dean Widders and Petero Civoniceva.
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