Wigan Warriors have reported the racial abuse aimed at Junior Nsemba after Super League’s Magic Weekend to the police. The England international was subjected to racist comments on social media following Wigan’s victory over St Helens at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday evening. The club has confirmed the matter has been referred to the relevant authorities and the Rugby Football League.
Club and coach condemn abuse
Wigan issued a strongly worded statement saying they were “appalled” and promised the incident would not be swept under the carpet. “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,” the statement said.
Coach Matt Peet spoke passionately about the matter. “We’re not having it … I’m not having it,” he said. “For a young player like him, it’s very important all his teammates are 100% behind him which they are. Everyone at the club is 100% behind him.” Peet also offered an open invitation to those responsible for the abuse to come into the club and explain themselves. “Those people that are doing that, hiding behind phones and keyboards, our club is open to them. If any of them want to come and speak to us and Junior, they can. If these people are associated with the game, then we need to take care of it.”
Need to stamp out racism in rugby league
Peet reiterated the need for rugby league to eliminate abuse from the sport once and for all. “The club will do most of the talking in a statement but as a game, as a club, we’re better than that. It needs to be stamped out, it’s not something we’re about,” he said. The club will work with the relevant authorities, the RFL and social media platforms to ensure the matter is investigated and dealt with properly. The RFL has been approached for comment.
Nsemba, 22, has been one of Super League’s standout players in 2026. The racial abuse comes after a Magic Weekend that saw Leeds keep foot on the gas with a timely renaissance, as reported by the Guardian.
