Gallop urged to act against `cancer' of racism
25.05.2009
By: Brent Read, Dan Koch
ANTHONY Mundine last night claimed racism was a cancer in the NRL and called on chief executive David Gallop to step in and take action against Paul Gallen following allegations he racially abused St George Illawarra's Mickey Paea in Saturday night's game.
As the NRL found itself again gripped by controversy, Mundine, a former NRL star who is now a world boxing champion, wasn't the only prominent figure with Gallen in his sights.
Gold Coast managing director Michael Searle called on the Sharks captain to make a full and unreserved apology to the indigenous community as well as other nationalities in the game.
Gallen, who appears likely to escape sanction by the NRL because Paea did not lodge a formal complaint, declined to comment on allegations he called the Dragons forward a ``black ....'' when contacted yesterday.
However, pressure is growing on both the NRL and Cronulla to take action against the NSW and Australia forward.
If the allegations are founded, it is difficult to envisage Gallen remaining as captain. At the very least, Mundine and Searle believe an apology is in order.
``It's a disgrace if that did happen and nothing is done about it,'' Mundine said.
``I think Mickey Paea should be encouraged and supported to stand up against that sort of stuff because it's been going on for too long and it has to be stopped.
``It's like a cancer in the game and the NRL has to come down hard on it. That's one of the reasons I left the game.''
Mundine, preparing for his world title fight against Daniel Geale in Brisbane on Wednesday night, made a racism allegation against former Bulldogs forward Barry Ward a decade ago when he was playing with the Dragons.
Despite turning his back on the game in 2000 to pursue a boxing career, Mundine believes racism remains rife in the NRL.
He also claimed Paea was a victim of the culture in the game, which he said discouraged Aboriginal and islander players from standing up for themselves.
``Mickey Paea seems like a shy kid,'' Mundine said.
``He probably doesn't want the heat on him so there's no way he was going to say anything.
``That's the culture that exists in the game. They feel like the system is against them. The league isn't run by islanders.
``But David Gallop should step in and do something about it. With all the stuff that has been going on at the moment, the NRL probably doesn't want any more shit in the game, but it would be a positive thing if they clamped down hard and put a stop to racism.
``If they are serious about wanting to get racism out of the game, and a player said that, he should get fined big money and suspended for 10 matches.''
Mundine's allegation against Ward was not an isolated incident. Four years ago, Dean Widders was lauded for going public after being racially slurred by then-South Sydney captain Bryan Fletcher. Fletcher was stripped of the captaincy, fined and suspended for one game.
However, Paea told The Australian last night he had forgiven Gallen and reiterated he would not press for a formal allegation.
Following Paea's interview, the NRL again contacted St George Illawarra officials.
``On the basis of the comments that were given to The Australian we again approached the Dragons to ask them were they prepared to go on with this matter. And they again, after checking with the player, reiterated that the player will not be giving a statement to the NRL and did not want to take the matter any further,'' NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said.
I forgive him, says Paea --
