Manly forward Josh Aloiai denies he intentionally liked an Instagram comment that accused Latrell Mitchell of “playing the racism card”.
The NRL on Nine account posted a clip from 9News on Monday night which featured Mitchell and his brother Shaquai.
The brothers, who are Indigenous Australians, were detailing racial abuse they experienced throughout their childhood.
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One social media troll commented on Nine’s post, “biggest sook and always plays the racism card”.
Among the accounts to like that comment was Aloiai’s.
The Sea Eagles forward was forced to deny it was intentional when contacted by the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I was looking through Instagram as I normally do,” Aloiai said.
“I saw a post from Latrell, and I was going through it when I accidentally liked a comment as I was scrolling.
“When I was made aware of this, I immediately deleted it.
“If anyone saw it, I would like to say that it was certainly not intentional at all.”
The Herald reports the NRL is now looking into the matter.
Aloiai and Mitchell are set to meet on the field in Las Vegas, when the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs play the NRL season opener on March 3.