The Newcastle Knights will assist the NRL in its investigation of allegations one of the club's players racially abused his Gold Coast Titans rival Tyrone Peachey on Friday night.
Forward Mitch Barnett is accused of using a racial slur during the second half of the game on the Gold Coast.
Peachey made the claims to referee Chris Sutton late in the match with microphones picking up audio of the Titans lock telling the referee: "That backrower just called me a black c***".
Barnett is adamant that he did not abuse Peachey during his side's 36-6 defeat at the hands of the Titans.
In a statement Saturday, the Knights said the club is conducting its own investigation into the claims and working alongside the NRL integrity unit.
"Racism and vilification have no place in the game and as a club, the Knights support a tough stance against anyone who feels that sort of behaviour is acceptable," the club said in a statement on its website.
"The club has been in dialogue with the Titans overnight and the two players involved in the alleged incident have also spoken.
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It comes after NRL CEO Andrew Abdo requested the NRL Integrity Unit investigate the allegations as a matter of urgency.
"We will speak to all parties involved in order to get to the bottom of the allegations and ensure a fair and respectful process for all," he said.
Moments later, the NRL judiciary also released a statement saying there were no charges from the NRL Match Review Committee following Friday Night Football from Round 20.
The Newcastle Herald has been told Barnett has spoken to the club and is adamant he did not racially abuse Peachey during a tackle in the second half.
The incident clouds even further a dark night for the Knights, who blew a golden opportunity to host next weekend's elimination final against South Sydney with their most inept performance of the season.
The game will now be held in Sydney, most likely on Sunday, following Souths devastating final round 60-8 win over the Sydney Roosters.
Adding to Newcastle's misery, interchange prop Jacob Saifiti is on report and could face a suspension if found guilty of a crusher tackle.
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