O and M alleged racial abuse investigation examines comment near camera

The O and M launched an investigation into an incident between a player and spectator during a tense final quarter in Albury's away match against Wodonga on July 3.

The undefeated Tigers won by three points.

Garlett didn't hear the comment, but the proud Indigenous man was later informed of it.

The investigation is ongoing, with the investigation officer having until Wednesday, July 21, to finalise his report. He can also ask for an extension.

Under the league's by-laws, no parties are allowed to comment publicly on the issue, although the O and M offered this at the time.

"Incidents of this nature are taken seriously by the league and this type of misconduct is unacceptable and not welcome in our sport and more broadly, society," chairperson David Sinclair said,

It's emerged that the camera which filmed the game - all five matches are videoed - is the focus of attention.

A review of the final quarter on the O and M website has Garlett involved in a number of generic contests, but there's no obvious comment directed at him.

During the course of the term, a number of voices are audible.

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Given the cameraman was in the grandstand, the investigator is focusing attention on that area.

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