The Fijian Drua have condemned the alleged racial abuse of scrumhalf Frank Lomani after he was red-carded in their defeat to the Melbourne Rebels.
Lomani was sent from the field on Friday at AAMI Park after his elbow collected Josh Canham in the head.
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As the Fijian international went to the sideline, the broadcast picked up the scrumhalf's reaction to members of the crowd, who allegedly racially abused Lomani.
Lomani was left visibly shaken after an incident, with the Drua confirming they are supporting the former Rebel.
"The Fijian Drua are shocked at the racial abuse suffered by one of our players during Friday night’s match against the Rebels in Melbourne," they said in a statement.
"Clearly there is no place for racism of any kind anywhere. We all have a duty to protect players and staff from situations which go against the values of our game.
"We are thankful to the Melbourne Rebels for reaching out with an apology and for assuring us that an investigation to identify the person(s) at fault is underway.
"We note that the Tournament [SRP] is also independently assessing the matter. We’re also providing Frank Lomani with the support he needs at this time.
"The actions of one or two individuals will not affect the warm relationship we have with rugby fans in Melbourne, which is truly one of the world’s great sporting cities. We will return to Melbourne this very week as the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women take on Rebels women in the crucial final round of Buildcorp Super Rugby Women. We look forward to meeting and engaging with as many fans as possible at AAMI Park on Saturday."
Lomani and prop Jone Koroiduadua will face the SANZAAR Judiciary after their red cards in the 41-20 defeat.
"Lomani is alleged to have contravened Law 9.12 - A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to punching or striking with hand, arm (including stiff-arm tackle), elbow or shoulder, during the match between the Rebels and Fijian Drua at AAMI Park in Melbourne on 5 April 2024," the Committee said in a statement.
"Koroiduadua is alleged to have (also) contravened Law 9.12 - A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to striking with the head, during the match between the Rebels and Fijian Drua at AAMI Park in Melbourne on 5 April 2024.
"The Case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Monday 8 April 2024, 6pm(AEST), 8pm(NZST) via video-conference."
The Drua have the bye this week, returning to Suva to face the Hurricanes on April 19.
