NRL 2020:NZ Warriors fans escape ban after apology to Penrith Panthers star Brent Naden over racial abuse

The NRL investigation into the targeted racial abuse of Penrith Panthers back Brent Naden last month has been closed after one of the men ejected from Central Coast Stadium apologised to the 24-year-old.

The incident occurred during the Panthers' narrow win over the NZ Warriors last month where eight spectators, several of whom were wearing Warriors merchandise, were thrown out of the ground after allegations from the centre that they had used racial slurs against him.

The men were escorted out of the ground by security and police, and the NRL launched an investigation, with police prosecution not ruled out.

But the Indigenous star agreed to speak to one of the men over the phone, who was representing the entire group, and has accepted an apology relating to the vile abuse.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Naden says he is proud of himself for standing up and taking a stand against racism and bringing it to light in Australian sport.

"What made it easier for me to speak up was having watched guys like Greg Inglis, Adam Goodes and Latrell Mitchell stand up to it in the past," Naden says.

"It makes you feel good about yourself and makes you proud to be an Indigenous man.

"Hopefully people seeing me stand up for myself will make it easier for the next generation and give other people the confidence, people at the club and young kids and cousins."

In consultation with Naden, the NRL had decided against banning the group of men from attending further matches, but they have nee offered an educational program concerning  'respect for players and the effect that abuse can have on our participants'.

"The game will not tolerate any form of abuse against our players - be it physical, verbal or online trolling," says NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.

"I commend Brent Naden for taking a strong stand on this matter and how he has conducted himself throughout the process.

"I'm pleased Brent had the opportunity to share how he feels and I'm pleased that an apology has been made and accepted."

In August, Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the group would be banned for life from attending their home fixtures.

"They may have been wearing our gear but they certainly don't represent the club in any way shape or form," George tells Newshub. "I don't even call them supporters.

"If people want to conduct themselves that way they can take our jumpers off."

"If they've got any relationship with the club through membership or not then it won't last any longer than what it is now."