Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has referred to as for the federal government to introduce new social media legal guidelines after going public with disgusting messages he receives on-line, together with dying threats and racist taunts.
Speaking toThe Daily Telegraph, the 23-year-old urged the federal government to introduce insurance policies much like a automobile licence, the place photograph ID and private particulars are required to create a social media account.
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He shared screenshots of vile messages that acknowledged he “deserved to get a career-ending injury” and “his house needs to be ran through by a tsunami”, alongside a number of racist slurs and threats.
“I think they’re cowards,’’ Mulitalo told the News Corp publication.
“I played the Bulldogs and I copped things about my family that they should die.
“I’ve copped death threats too, messages too about spitting on my mum’s grave.
“I was close to going to the police, but that won’t have the long-lasting impact that needs to be had with restrictions around social media.’’
It comes after South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell was subjected to racial abuse during last weekend’s NRL match against the Penrith Panthers.
“Every player cops it,” Mulitalo continued.
“The other day my partner wanted to go through my messages and check what had come through and she got a pretty good reality check on what I’ve got to deal with and what comes through from the other side.
“She was in shock.
“My fear is that younger players than me won’t have the mental strength to handle this abuse.
“Social media has given the world a ticket to get away with it, it’s all too easy to sit on your phone and abuse people.
“As a society, not just the game, we need to introduce better security and verification for young kids, who get on the internet and say things that are disgusting.
“A licence, like a car licence where your details need to be included, is a start.‘’
Mulitalo received support from Newcastle Knights halfback Jackson Hastings, who tweeted: “Absolute joke that anyone not only athletes have to deal with absolute BS messages like that. Between DMs, Podcasts etc people can just say / write whatever they want with no repercussions. Needs to change, especially social media. Saddest part is it’s usually kids.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au