Mikolaj Oledzki reports racist comments to RFL
Leeds star Mikolaj Oledzki says he was really disappointed to hear racist comments from a fan in Sunday’s defeat to Warrington, and has reported the matter to the Rugby Football League.
The Poland-born prop reported the incident to referee Chris Kendall during the Rhinos’ 27-26 defeat to Warrington at Headingley on Sunday night.
Oledzki has reported the matter to the RFL as part of the governing body’s Tackle It programme.
The England international told the club’s website: “Rugby league is a tough enough sport as it is. I’m just really disappointed.
“We stand so strongly against racism and discrimination and as a player we all expect to get a bit of abuse but there is no need for racism. There is no need for anything like that and it is just disappointing.
“We are going to leave it to the RFL to review it and see if anything will get done or can be done. I’m just disappointed because there are kids in stands too and the remark that was said to me was quite loud.
“To be honest I was shocked when I heard it because I’ve never really experienced anything like it. There’s kids in stands and it is not something that you want your kids to hear. I’m really disappointed and we’ll see what happens.
“There’s no bad people. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone reacts with emotions sometimes. I’m not saying anyone is a bad person, I’m not calling anyone names or reacting in a negative way – I just want people to think sometimes about what they say before they say it. There are people in the stands that you don’t want them to hear. People aren’t bad, they just need to sometimes think about the things that they say.”
A Warrington statement read: “The club is aware of allegations of racist abuse directed towards Leeds Rhinos player Mikolaj Oledzki from one of our supporters during last night’s Betfred Super League round 17 fixture.
“Warrington Wolves strongly condemns racism and discrimination and it has no place at our club, in rugby league or in society.
“An investigation will now take place in conjunction with Leeds Rhinos and the Rugby Football League and no further comment will be made at this stage.”