Wigan say they are “appalled” by racist abuse aimed at Junior Nsemba after their narrow victory over St Helens at Magic Weekend in Liverpool on Sunday.
The Betfred Super League club said the comments appeared on social media and they have reported the matter to the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the police.
Wigan claimed a 16-14 victory against their long-time rivals, as Saints’ Jackson Hastings missed a kick to tie the game after the final hooter.
Junior Nsemba featured for Wigan Warriors at Magic Weekend
Wigan said in a statement: “The club is aware of racist remarks made on social media about one of our players.
“We are appalled by the comments and condemn them in the strongest possible terms. No individual should be subjected to racist abuse, whether online, in person or in any other setting.
“Racism must be called out, condemned and eradicated. We will report such matters through the appropriate channels and will work with the relevant authorities, the Rugby Football League and social media platforms to ensure they are investigated and dealt with properly.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Tempers exploded almost instantly as Wigan Warriors and St Helens players were involved in a mass scuffle just 10 seconds after kick-off
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Wigan head coach Matt Peet said: “It’s not something we’re about.
“Those people who are doing that, hiding behind phones and keyboards, our club is open, and if any of them want to come and speak to any of us or Junior, we’re all willing to have a conversation, but our sport is too good for that.
“We need to take care of this and make sure it just doesn’t get brushed under the carpet, which I’m sure it won’t.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
St Helens’ Head Coach Paul Rowley was disappointed with key officiating decisions in Saints’ defeat to Wigan Warriors
Sky Sports News has reached out to the RFL and the police for comment.
Hate Won’t Win
Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.
If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, sex, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL to the hateful post and screengrab it and email us here.
