A Fijian rugby player who was the target of racial abuse during a rugby match says he's "hurt" by the remarks.
Southbridge player Peni Manumanuniliwa copped abused from his opponent, 23-year-old Bronson Munro, during a country final.
It's believed Manumanuniliwa was called a "black c***" after being penalised for a high tackle.
"I was hurt and cannot understand why people would verbally abuse me or call me inappropriate names based on my nationality," Manumanuniliwa said.
A decision was made by the Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) to ban Waihora club member Munro from playing for 47 weeks.
The decision came after a seven-hour long hearing and is one of the harshest penalties to be handed down.
Manumanuniliwa says he doesn't hold any personal animosity towards Munro.
"All I ever want is to be treated with respect on the rugby field. I play the game of rugby hard and fair, I love this game, and love the Southbridge Rugby Club."
However, Munro denys ever making the remarks on the field and the Waihora Rugby Club are lodging an appeal agaist the decision.
"It is very disappointing from a club perspective to see years of hard work being decimated by this decision of the Judicial Committee," said a club spokesperson.
Manumanuniliwa says he's spoken out about the racial abuse to help bring a stop to the issue.
This is the second season the Manumanuniliwa has been the target of racial abuse on the field.
Another Fijian rugby player, Sake Aca, was also abused by spectators last season and it's understood another club player was the target of racial abuse at a match a few weeks ago.
Newshub.
