Leo-Latu suspended for racism

Wakefield Wildcats hooker Tevita Leo-Latu has been suspended by the Rugby Football League (RFL) for six games for making a racist remark to an opposition player.

The 26-year-old was found guilty of insulting Warrington Wolves' Kevin Penny during a match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on June 17th.

Leo-Latu was cited by a touch judge, who was informed of the incident by Penny himself after the match, and the New Zealander was subsequently called to attend a disciplinary hearing by the RFL's compliance unit.

The organisation's executive chairman Richard Lewis said the way Leo-Latu has been reported and punished for his actions shows the zero tolerance attitude of the sport is working.

"Racism will not be tolerated in any form in Rugby League," Lewis said.

"Through our Tackle It campaign which we launched in 2006 we asked for clubs to adopt a policy of zero tolerance of racism in any form.

"Clubs have been asked to make a commitment to ensure that players, spectators, staff and volunteers can enjoy an environment free of discrimination and racism. As shown in this case should anyone break this commitment they will be punished."

Leo-Latu will miss Wakefield's final five Super League matches this season against Harlequins, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos, as well as the Wildcats' first match of 2008.