Parramatta Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos says the club will review its legal options following the circulation of “false rumours” on social media about veteran Dylan Walker.
Walker has been rested for Saturday’s clash against the Rabbitohs, but several accounts on social media alleged there was something more sinister at play and that he’d actually been stood down for an off-field incident.
But Sarantinos and the club have hit back at the unsubstantiated claims with threats of legal action.
“The Parramatta Eels are aware of false rumours and innuendo circulating on social media about one of our players, Dylan Walker,” Sarantinos wrote in a statement on the club’s website.
“The claims are completely false and unfair on Dylan and his family.
“We should never be in a situation where a player has to defend himself against baseless online speculation.
“Everyone needs to understand how reckless and irresponsible this conduct is, and the real impact it has on people. We are not going to stand for it.
“The people spreading this material are not supporters or responsible journalists. Passion for the club and the game is welcome. Defamation, abuse and the deliberate spread of falsehoods are not.
“Dylan and his family have my full support, and the full support of the club and his teammates. We ask the media and the public to put this matter to rest.
“The club will be reviewing its legal options against those responsible for creating and spreading these false rumours.”
Walker, 31, will join Super League side the Leeds Rhinos at the end of the year.
Originally published as ‘We are not going to stand for it’: Eels threaten legal action over “false” claims made against Dylan Walker