NRL bans spectators over Inglis abuse

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The NRL has issued an indefinite ban on two spectators who allegedly racially abused South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis after the round two match against Penrith at Panthers Stadium.

The NRL says the two spectators have been banned from attending NRL events until it is proven they have rehabilitated themselves by addressing their behaviour in an apology and completing an approved cultural training and education.

Last Monday the two individuals were issued breach notices for their actions during the Saturday March 17 games.

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council chair Linda Burney believes education is the best way to deal with cases of racial abuse.  

"Naturally I am appalled at what happened to Greg, especially given my immense respect for him as an Indigenous leader and his status as one of the best Indigenous players of all time," she said. 

"But the NRL has taken the right approach by allowing the persons responsible to return to rugby league only after they have undergone appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural training and have issued an apology to Greg and Indigenous community leaders for their comments.

"The best way to stop a repetition of this type of behaviour is through education," Burney said.

"I am also pleased that senior Indigenous leaders from the game will help decide whether the person responsible is ready to return to games.