Former England and Newcastle Falcons centre Luther Burrell says he has a “sense of closure” after an independent investigation found he was the victim of racial abuse.
Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent, told the Mail on Sunday last year that he was subjected to comments about slavery, bananas and fried chicken, adding that “racial banter” had become “normalised” among teammates.
The RFU has ruled out taking disciplinary action on those who racially abused Burrell.
‘A tough eight to 10 months’
93 staff members at Newcastle Falcons were interviewed, including players and coaches, after Burrell’s claims.
“Does it provide me with a sense of closure? I believe so, yes,” Burrell told BBC Sport following the conclusion of the investigation.
“It’s been a tough eight to 10 months. I was disappointed initially by the lack of support shown from some of my peers.
“It was as if my comments were being dismissed. It was almost like people needed proof, and now this has come out, people will understand that what I was saying has been deemed to be the truth.
“And we can all hopefully move on and generate change. I’m proud of what I’ve done, and I’m proud of the support that I’ve had.
“To call anybody a slave is not funny, so it was abhorrent behaviour. It was something that affects my dignity as a player; it affects me as a human and as a father.”
Allegations made are true
Burrell spent two seasons at Newcastle Falcons between 2020 and 2022; shortly afterwards, he made the abuse he faced public.
The investigation concluded that “on the balance of probability, the allegations made in the article are true, but there is insufficient evidence to say whether all the allegations occurred at the club, apart from the WhatsApp message which contained a racist comment”.
In addition, Burrell was subject to a “further two specific incidents of racial abuse – one directed at the player and one witnessed by the player. Therefore, the player was subject to racial abuse verbally and in the WhatsApp group”.
At least two other employees of Newcastle gave evidence in support of Burrell’s allegations.
No disciplinary investigation
While it was recommended that the RFU should consider conducting a disciplinary investigation, it was also acknowledged that this might not help achieve the RFU’s aim of diversifying the game.
All testimonies provided were also all on a confidential basis.
“Individuals who came forward with evidence did so without giving the names of individuals involved, and Luther has been consistent throughout that his aim is not to seek punishment for individuals but rather to bring about change,” an RFU statement read.
“The club, which has co-operated throughout, has made and will continue to implement changes to its policies and procedures based on the recommendations.
“The RFU will also address the wider elements of the inclusion and diversity elite game action plan, all with an aim to drive an inclusive culture and ensure racism has no place in our clubs or our sport.
“Taking all these factors into account, the RFU believes the investigation has fulfilled its objectives and does not intend to pursue a further disciplinary investigation and instead will continue to work with the club to ensure that these processes remain embedded.”
Click Here: ospreys rugby jerseys