"It's Not Racist to Boo!" NRL Legends weigh in on 'Racism- Fueled' Booing Claims

Rumors swirl in the NRL community as South Sydney Rabbitohs' fullback Latrell Mitchell contemplates quitting the league amidst relentless booing from fans. Mitchell, a prominent figure in Australian rugby league, has faced consistent jeering from crowds week after week, prompting speculation about the toll it may be taking on his mental wellbeing. While some sports analysts have suggested that the booing could be racially motivated, NRL legend Mal Meninga disagrees. Meninga asserts that the negative reception towards Mitchell is more likely a result of his playing style rather than any discriminatory intent.
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[@andrewcampsie4285]

He's booed because he's a grub of the game.

[@deemgee92]

Burgess hit the nail on the head, he has no ticker, he does cheap shots to other player and causes them injuries, no wonder he’s getting booed, can’t play the race card everytime

[@user-te8gd3wc2y]

He can and does

[@robd3529]

If he doesn’t like being booed, maybe stop doing things that make the fans boo 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@taunaooalapidi7088]

Like MONKEY

[@ptrlohan1]

the booing is only recent. Did he only recently become indigenous?

[@karlschafer1715]

exactly

[@wilfredoUbatuba]

nothing to do with race. All to do with work ethics, atitude and fair play, all of which he lacks terribly. Work harder, stop putting yourself as a victim, and behave on and out of the pitch like a professional athlete and a role model. If he quits now, he won't be missed because people are tired of his antics

[@lunch2102]

Grubs get booed, it's not rocket science

[@darrylmackie9184]

So ya get Booed every DAY

[@MusMasi]

@@darrylmackie9184 like your mum

[@WOW-ng8sy]

@@MusMasi 😂😂

[@mcgregorkurum]

He has brought this on himself he will not be missed if he retires. As Mudine puts it your are not Greg Inglis 😂

[@Nickos-sn5gm]

Mundane was the same. Blamed everyone for everything else. Pulled the race card at the first opportunity. Neither of them are close to Inglis, Thurston, Meninga. Those guys never made race excuses because there were no excuses to be made.

[@tasmanianscallop435]

@@Nickos-sn5gmexactly, your comment is spot on, he could of been good, but he let his ago and temper get in the way, oh well, when he retires he will just be forgotten about.

[@ronaldwhite5670]

I’ve got no sympathy for him. His behaviour on the field attracts penalties of the game and his negative personage attracts derogative comments and behaviour from spectators. The common, consistent factor causing these two outcomes is……Latrell Mitchell.

[@ualrdyknowwhoitis]

TRUE

[@mustafailucuman3168]

Finally someone said it.

[@Whistler112]

He is a grub of the highest order, then plays the racist card when he is rightfully boo'd. Can't leave the game soon enough.

[@scorpiuswireless1]

True

[@darrylmackie9184]

Rightfully BOOED. Who the fuck are you, ya MAGGOT

[@CQuinnLady]

Onca a grub, always a grub. Retirement cant come fast enough for him

[@williambaglme819]

Major grub on the field and complaining about crowds not liking him..

[@BM-xn1jr]

He didn’t say a thing about people booing him. Dean Ritchie from the Telegraph brought it up to rile the masses and you idiots fell for it

[@madeinaustralia2020]

He obviously thinks he’s privileged and can get away with what he wants. He disrespects other players in the game.

[@5shots1chaser]

He's lucky NRL banned the old ways of throwing one two punches. Otherwise he will be at the hospital every week after game.

[@richardlavigne6382]

He would cry like a snowflake and then say he was punched because he’s black in this wokeass world

[@raykorimbo6296]

The racism card is a pathetically poor cop out by an irresponsible media and a weak character. Mitchell is a grub, opiniated, and arrogant. The media keep calling him a superstar and yet he hardly has produced results for his team in the last few years despite being very highly paid. Watching the replay of his recent grub acts, it's easy to see in his body language and facial expressions that his action are intentional and malicious. He would get booed as he does whether he is black, white, yellow, brown, green, or purple.

[@israelpope1947]

he is not a superstar at the moment. he is just a lazy man always crying to the media and using his family as an excuse.

[@terrykemble-yi2nc]

Well said mate. Very well said.

[@tasmanianscallop435]

Spot on

[@Gussious5370]

Super star? As if.

[@markcurran6766]

Well written mate

[@user-px9px6yn2q]

I'm easily old enough to be Latrell Mitchell's father . And as a father I would have told him one thing and one thing only. " Wherever Wayne Bennett goes...u follow him son. Because when your NRL career has ended u gonna walk away being the best man u possibly can be" As it stands now , he's on the way out of the NRL....and still only a boy

[@madmots981]

He tried to elbow Shaun Johnson today against the Warriors. Maybe he needs some time away from the game.

[@shanewatt3640]

My grandad always said , Actions speak louder than Words

[@Robbo3369]

Just about every professional athlete has been booed at one stage or another in their career , it's got nothing to do with racism . Get on with it people .

[@astro8807]

Grubby behaviour is the only reason he is booed

[@uzielmalifa3734]

Yeah see you later lm. Most people just don’t worry about the booing Mitchell on the other hand cries to the media lmao we don’t care if you leave mate don’t let the door hit you.

[@lesbowden2899]

This pre season I thought he looked a lot fitter than usual and I was hoping he would really shine on the field as he is such a natural talent. Then came the grub actions yet again. The reason fans boo him is for those acts. The worst part about those acts is his reaction immediately afterwards. He can't seem to see what he did as wrong. Watch his reaction after the elbow and tip tackle against the Warriors.

[@greenfrog7070]

Absolutely not racism. It's his attitude on and of the field that has generated to what is being dished up towards him. He has forgotten that respect needs to be earned. Souths need to let him go and let someone else step up who is going to appreciate the opportunity to play NRL.

[@rabbits77]

He wonders why they boo then try's to take Shaun Johnsons head off with a muay Thai elbow 🫣

[@user-px9px6yn2q]

And this blokes on 800K + per season? Hes not even the best fullback at Souths

[@yousefghazaoui3580]

Am pretty sure latrell is on 1mil plus

[@freddylyaki]

Mate, Nrl doesn’t need bullies. If his on field reactions is triggered by racism and hates from the fans I think he should consider his actions. He cannot be a good model to the indigenous community if his actions are against what his advocating for. The hates from the audience and fans should be responded in a more professional manner and not inappropriate behavior his portraying on the field. He should know that his not the first. Many players have gone before him who represented the IP community in a good manner. But this booing, nah that is too much for a professional footy player. He got no respect for himself and fellow players. I think he feels exaggerating and lost temper which is triggered by his attitude. I suggest he needs a serious psychological counseling before it’s too late. Peace ✌️

[@MusMasi]

the boos are a reaction to his grub actions on the field not the other way around. Plenty of indigenous players do not get booed. Stop being an entitled grub and the boos will eventually go away.

[@leviclarke2429]

People boo him bc of what he does on the field not bc skin colour dogs fans use to boo cam smith for he’s actions as well but he was white it doesn’t matter what skin colour you are at the end of the day if you are a grub on the field you will get booed at

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

​@MusMaybe he is using coke and it's the start of a much bigger issue for him.From personal experience i know the pit falls.If this is the case talk to somebody that's been there, done that.Masi

[@MusMasi]

when you google search the word Grub his face should be the first thing to show up.

[@user-xn4rb4ns4u]

Bit off topic ! LATRELL MITCHELL is disliked because of his behaviour , and dirty play. Nothing else. I would like high profile indigenous sports , media,entertainment industry etc. to get together and go to problem areas ie :the NT etc…public education adverts Stop the violence !!!!! LATRELL could be a leader and give something back. For all the advantages he has been given. That would improve his popularity Lead by example

[@user-qb9yc7qi8o]

His best season was his first at the roosters after that he turned onto a entitled big head that continually does dumb shit

[@willchurch3644]

He isn't the first player to get booed and won't be the last.

[@serdar2580]

Once a grub always a grub sent him back to Taree to milk his cows

[@user-hl5ej7jb5j]

Sounds like the easy way out instead of owning his own dramas

[@Dugar-III]

Plays one of the toughest games yet worried about being booed??? He should join Ezra in the sheds Nd cry....

[@marcushorope4912]

But do you see Ezra sook a lot in every games. 🤡

[@raykorimbo6296]

Ezra....another cry baby.

[@MusMasi]

@@marcushorope4912 yes

[@SAMOA_TO_DA_WORLD]

There's a difference between grub and just a pot stirrer for fun..... Latrel purposely does grubby stuff like drop knee on blokes and leads with elbows and shoulder charges whereas someone who gets more hate like luai only messes with people just for a little laugh and messing around.. and you never see luai pull a racist card when he's called out he either owns up for it or just gives people the same energy back but latrel just pulls the racist card. Jerome Luai: a funny bloke Latrel Mitchel: a down right grub

[@steverenfrew5223]

Unfortunately for Latrell,alot of people on nrl circles eg: commentators and journalists talk jom up about how good he is when hedoes something flashy,but that doesn't happen often enough.He believes he is better than he is.Demands the fulllback position when he isnt up to fittness commitment or intellect wise to be there.Doesnt like the hard work,and dog shots when the going gets tough!

[@user-px9px6yn2q]

Exactly right

[@colinmackenzie6277]

So not the ABSOLUTELY DIRTY & CYNICAL PLAY WITHOUT PENALTY is super duper

[@haroldmclean3755]

Latrell is going on Holiday again, just like Last Year, lmao 🤣💦

[@freedomofchoicelover3734]

Between LM, Cody Walker and Addo-carr, the 3 of them are a disgrace to the game, barely an interaction on the field without then causing a fight, being a grub, just all round disrespecting AUSTRALIA and the game, you can tell the players around them have had enough, including origins, everyone is over them playing the victims card, no more spotted jerseys, no more welcome ceremonies, smoking ceremonies, abo anthems...can it ALL....we want our game back, traditional jerseys, good fun banter, meat pies and a place we can take our kids to have fun

[@scorpiuswireless1]

The elite divided us by splitting the game into us and them. Yup no more indigenous games.

[@ericgrunnet2762]

He reaches out to the public before the Final against the Roosters, saying to not boo him. The effect it's having on him and him family, etc. Then, after they win the big match against the team, he played for prior to joining the Rabbitohs. He makes a bee line towards the supporters, and in both a physical and verbal manner, he unloads on them. It was the perfect example to use in a discussion relating to this topic. However, as in so many ways in this country. And I believe most others. There is a double standard. One which is in full effect. And dividing people as a result.

[@bryku5697]

Favourite player of all time is Thurston, least favourite is Latrell, unsure how I’m racist for not liking Latrell but okay, sooks

[@jacktattis]

send him to the Bourke Blitzes that will wake him up.

[@davidmarsalis1522]

Some of the footage of Latrell in the out take of that video says it all . If you missed it check it out again. Hitting people in the head is what I saw . Anyways the last couple of weeks he has been stinging for a fight knocking people out so on . Something I haven’t seen is Someone do to Latrell what Latrell does to others smash him around the head and knock him out . And yeah there is group of rascal racist scrubs in the crowd saying stupid stuff. But that just didn’t start with Latrell That is a very unfortunate thing that happens in the society on all levels in both directions on and off the field . For me it’s time for Latrell to be let go he is truly not the footy player we saw when he was playing for state of origin. People seem to be scared of Latrell is the vibe I see also , someone needs to sit the guy down and tell him this is how it is . Then let Latrell say what he wants to do.End of story.

[@adampastega2540]

he seems to be at the point where his head is so swelled he can get away with anything. its a pitty to see such a great player and once person go down that path and play victim as well. hope he can turn it around.

[@tast7017]

if the booing is race related why doesn't Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow get booed? He's the most popular player in Redcliffe. Selwyn cobbo doesn't get booed. Ezra Man doesn't get booed. Payne Haas doesnt get booed. Dane Gagai doesnt get booed. Do i need to go on?

[@user-zd8pv8bi5j]

Great content mate . Was a big fan of Latrell Mitchell but he's done nothing in years poor attitude and lazy I really believe he should be sacked and not the coach . If you replace the coach a real coach is gonna have to say some truths to Latrell and I don't think he has the right attitude to cop fair criticism at this point in his career. Sam Burgess was correct get rid of him. He is a dirty player worst of all the dirty players it's not racist the booing he does himself no favours.

[@sinerntous6433]

Footy and world history should have it's seperate emails.

[@matthewstewart5008]

I remember a parramatta storm game years back… the entire crowd was singing ‘slaters a wanker’ There was a kid in front of me crying kos he wanted someone to kill slater This is not racism It’s culture and trends in footy

[@grant8182]

Don't let the door hit you in the arse

[@gavin8677]

He does it to himself. On and off the field.

[@pava01]

This is Adam Goodes all over again, it’s not racism people just don’t like you as a individual and it has something to do with your character

[@carloswray602]

1000% agree!!

[@roderickila8124]

LM will learn from these mistakes and come out better soon, heads up big boy

[@user-lr5uz9nd9q]

He just needs to be humble and he'll find himself. He's the only one that knows what is needed for himself and it's real family time instead of talking too much noise. Good luck to him.

[@Mmmm2217]

Latrell Mitchell has Mental Health Issues and the sooner he addresses the Problem which is no shame to admit it Because then he’ll know his True Friends and if he gets the Right Help he will be a Better Man for his Family Friends and Himself. It’s hard to Admit and Digest as a Young Man But If True to Yourself their are People and Tools to Cope Deal Manage & Heal. Hide It and You’ll Suffer. I Love the Natural Gifted Graceful Latrell and I Support his Innovation but he has to be Truthful. Football is not the Be All to Life But Everyone and Everything has a Purpose in Life If you can be be Truthful Sincere and Yourself. Trust yourself to be Better in Life Not the Greatest But Happy and Loving. 🇦🇺🔥👀🙏☮️💟

[@taunaooalapidi7088]

Is it mental or menstrual?.

[@israelpope1947]

he should go play for the women's team or something. he is a bully and he deserves all the booed he got. NRL will not fall whether or not he leaves. he is just one man. life goes on.

[@MusMasi]

with his grub bullying he would unalive those poor women my goodness, he should just go away.

[@richardlavigne6382]

Imagine he transition into a woman and started playing women’s league, the Carnage 🤣

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

​@@MusMasiThe way these women tackle maybe they'll rattle him.

[@jasinister]

He’s booed like any other player that acts like a tosser

[@antonnicaj01]

Oh my God. Toughen up princess. If booing bothers him , maybe he should just give it away

[@peterkilausine1995]

Michelle is the most dirtiest player in NRL history, just get rid of him in nrl , what a same on such player.

[@julianraiders1112]

100% this will affect recruitment

[@romneytomowau6888]

He don't deserve to stay in the NRL. The world is watching and enjoying the fun and famous sport in Australia. We love to see the real spirit of sports. If he wants to show his strength he better find a new place in the world.

[@jennellewilliams3461]

Booing is not racially motivated towards Latrell. Lots of player get booed. Like Wally Lewis, most if the Roosters players if they win. You just have to rise above it.

[@ajmuss856]

So be it, his call, he’s only going to look worse if he does.

[@DJ70404]

He gets booooed when he does stupid things and acts like a grub. It's not racist. There are 100's of dark players in the nrl. They aren't all getting booooed.

[@leonzelvys1286]

Both can be true. The majority of booing might be directed towards his attitude and actions. There may be a very small minority of booing could be racially motivated. But you don’t see Cobbo, AJ, Staggs, The Hammer, Jack Wighton etc getting booed

[@DJ70404]

Mitchell's response and from what he does now will show if he is a man or a child. He gets paid a lot of money and enjoys that money, no doubt. He can show now if he has the courage to dig deep and do the work to get back to where he thinks he should be or whether he will go and sulk and let the chip on his shoulder over come him. I hope he does the work and digs deep. That will shut people up and show much more character than walking away will. We don't care if you're black, Latrell. We just want to see you keep giving your best as long as you are paid to do so.

[@taunaooalapidi7088]

What is the conditions of his contract signed with Souths. Does it stated that he has to play dirty?. Why doesn't South Sydney club just terminate his contract.

[@user-fc7ie9ho1p]

What he did to Joey Manu if you did that on the street you would be done off the police. It's not a racial thing at all the people saying it's racial you are the racial ones. Latrel is a dirty over rated player. Doesn't belong in NRL

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

If memory serves me right, Steve Rogers was seriously injured by a dingo act many years ago, and he got the police involved as it took his ability to earn money from the game away from him.

[@weburnitatbothends]

Latrell Mitchell, one of the few Rugby League players I want to see go to Rugby Union

[@techkill6131]

If you can be praised when you play well you can be booed when you don't. Nothing to do with race

[@Noova.]

I hate it when people call actions like booing racism just because someone isn't white. He is booed because he's a grub and his performances recently have been really lazy and underwhelming

[@leviclarke2429]

Yea that’s true cam smith always used to get booed at by doggies fans and he was white so skin colour isn’t why people are booing at him it’s more what he’s doing kneeing fox in the head elbowing sj in the head to many grubby incidents I can mention and it’s not bc I’m a bias roosters fan it’s not just roosters fans that don’t like him like everyone else in the comp doesn’t like him for the same reason idk the whole thing is stupid I wouldn’t mind latrell if he wasn’t doing all this grubby stuff

[@scootlesvonnoodles5529]

Harden up ya sook. If you’re gonna play the villain, you gotta be willing to cop the flak.

[@SuperHolden74]

The NRL would be Better Off Without Him - Nothing to do with race . Its Due to being a Dirty Player who Don't Care

[@troynewman8103]

Stop talking about this guy.hes not the be all of the game.if he goes he goes.he thinks hes an imortal already.

[@user-te8gd3wc2y]

The racial privilege has got to stop, the only reason he was not sent off for that.

[@markkennethinfante9715]

Latrell dragging the team down. Good for him not playing for 3 weeks maybe there is a chance to bounce back without him

[@ronfeldt2106]

Ron Feldt. 10-4-24. Not racism. He's brilliant, BUT, does not do enough for his team. Lazy.

[@quenched56]

As a bunnies fan i want him gone, he's a net loss when you consider he has played less than 70% of eligible games for us. He also owes us a flag for 21, if he's on the field we win that GF.

[@jamesmatheson5115]

There's more going on with Latrell than just playing poorly, he has definitely lost interest, is it the club, the coach or just maybe its the team, something happened late last year at the club, who has sat down with him?

[@deanpatterson3091]

It's not about racism,it's about Latrell being a grub when playing footy.!!

[@KumulFly-jt5st]

Hey, so may native Australian superstars of the game played, they were never booed. He cant use the race card. He is a grub.

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

Larry Corrowa was never booed and he was playing when racism was rife,so Lattrel you need to smarten up.

[@HenryErick-op1lw]

His not the only black man in the game..!! He should learn to respect other players too..

[@nicholascleland9676]

Somebody answer me this one then if it's so obvious that it's not about race then why wasn't Gallen ever booed and he was the biggest grub of all. Makes ya wonder though is there a double standard showing it's face as usual in this country of ours.

[@jackynick9177]

He needs to grow up!

[@paulmcnickle5167]

The sooner he goes the better we all have issues it's all bout how u handle it so harden up Bubba

[@markmywordz]

Next Adam Goodes

[@OuttheGate114]

Reap what you sow

[@djdispys]

Grub utter grub puts players in dangar grub

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

The booing motivation is completely based on the lack of his content of character......Les Boyd was a grub and so is Mitchell

[@taunaooalapidi7088]

Yeah LB was banned from the game and why not LM.

[@user-ng1ny4fp8f]

Latrell he’s own worst enemy and if I want to boo I will stop sanitising everything in our game it’s the fans game not your we pay

[@richardspinks6736]

Choc was right! Entitled and soft! He deserved to get booed he is on big money and has to carry that expectation. To be suspended as much as he gets is totally unacceptable.. So he plays the black card? Come on Brah!

[@itsrandom6162]

All grubs get booed by the opposition..period!

[@warwick4763]

He’s a grub even hurts he’s best mate then pretends to care plays like a second rower put him in the scrum with he’s brother the forwards will fix him up never gives 100% if he quits he will not be missed for long he’s never played a whole season yet for South’s or Easts if he doesn’t get his own way he goes sulking and then walkabout

[@carloswray602]

Ppl will boo him like mad now…. They will absolutely rain the boo’s on him!! lol

[@GoogleAssistant-wz6lk]

His family in Tari???

[@ir711]

The booing has nothing to do with race but more with his actions.....

[@thethriftbandit]

Grub

[@user-qo9xu7mw7h]

Latrell Mitchell, he is a very good tuff player , but now i see that he is becoming like BOSS on the field, which he have no respect for other good players. i think he should go for a break and spend sometime in the bush and get good rehabilitation from the wildness atmosphere.

[@jasonbarrett7756]

Im sorry I've lost all respect to him after the last few months of stuff that has been going on why is it that cos people express them selfs don't mean racism plan and simple and to throw that at others cos your not happy with stuff is wrong and is teaching the young people to think that it's exceptional no far from it we all live together why can't we get along together without having to use something like that to get back at someone he is not making himself look worse cos poor me there are others who played that night who are from other countries who didn't talk it to heart only him so of he feels like he is being targeted then it might be for the best to leave rather then take things too far but at the end of the day this is only my opinion so yeah its sad but might need to be done the fact that he didn't get sent off for the stuff he done some might say it was so others didn't get put on the racism that not right in my eyes and other by the sounds of it cheers

[@petergriffiths5537]

Its got nothing to do with skin ffs

[@nickgrch]

The several cheap shots in this video would be one of the main reasons why he's booed, no?🤔 Black or white, that's filthy play and nobody can justify that thuggery.

[@djdispys]

Grub thats all as you were

[@jaiharris2159]

He needs to grow up

[@nathancroft5839]

Guys the biggest grub in the league atm