Wigan Warriors condemn racist abuse aimed at Junior Nsemba

Wigan Warriors have condemned racist abuse directed at forward Junior Nsemba following their 16-14 victory over St Helens at Magic Weekend in Liverpool on Sunday. The club said it was 'appalled' by comments posted on social media and has reported the matter to the Rugby Football League (RFL) and police.

The abuse came after a tense Super League clash at a major event, where Wigan edged out long-time rivals St Helens. Nsemba, a 20-year-old academy graduate, played a role in the win, though the club did not specify if the abuse was linked to any on-field incident.

Club's response

In a statement, Wigan said: '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 club pledged to work with authorities and social media platforms to ensure the matter is investigated properly.

• Wigan reported the abuse to the RFL and police
• The club condemned the comments 'in the strongest possible terms'
• Head coach Matt Peet urged those responsible to have a conversation instead of hiding behind keyboards
• The RFL and police have been contacted for comment

Coach's comments

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, head coach Matt Peet emphasised that the club stands against racism. 'Our club is open, and if any of them want to come and speak to any of us or Junior, we're all willing to have a conversation,' he said. 'But our sport is too good for that.'

The incident comes amid broader efforts in rugby league to tackle discrimination. The RFL has previously taken a strong stance against abuse, and the sport continues to promote inclusivity through initiatives like Kick It Out.