Wigan Warriors have reported the racial abuse aimed at Junior Nsemba after Super League’s Magic Weekend to the police with their coach, Matt Peet, calling on the sport to stamp out the treatment to which the 22-year-old was subjected.
The England international was the subject of racist comments on social media in the aftermath of Wigan’s victory over St Helens at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday evening. The Warriors have confirmed the matter has been referred to the relevant authorities and the Rugby Football League, while also issuing a strongly worded statement.
Coach Peet’s strong response
Peet has spoken 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 of Nsemba, who has been one of Super League’s standout players in 2026, to come into the club and explain themselves. He then reiterated the need for rugby league to eliminate the 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,” he said. “It needs to be stamped out, it’s not something we’re about. 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.”
Club statement condemning abuse
Wigan said in their statement they were “appalled” and promised the incident would not be swept under the carpet. They said: “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.
“We will report such matters through the appropriate channels and will work with the relevant authorities, the Rugby Football League and social media platforms to ensure they are investigated and dealt with properly.” The RFL has been approached for comment.
