Vodafone Warriors managing director Jim Doyle has issued a statement from the club in support of Sir Peter Leitch:
"Sir Peter Leitch has been an ardent supporter of the Vodafone Warriors since our inception in 1995.
"I've known him for many years and in that time he's been a tremendous ambassador for our club, for rugby league and for the country in general.
"Sir Peter does a tremendous amount in our community, regularly doing things behind closed doors for people who have fallen on hard times.
"We have the greatest admiration for him."
More support via social media:
"@sirmadbutcher is an incredible human that has done more for others (of all races) than most could do in 10 lifetimes." - Jay Reeves
"He is not a racist - I've seen/experienced his sensitive side towards Island & Maori culture among others involved in the melting pot of ethnicity involved in rugby league on and off the field!" - Monty Betham
"All I will say is he's always been good to me and has supported a lot of south Auckland Polynesian and Maori athletes and league clubs since I was a young in" - Dave Letele 'Brown Butterbean'
"I can tell you right now this man is not a racist, he has always put people first no matter what ethnicity you are." - Ruben Wiki
"My mate Sir Peter Leitch is no racist. For 20 years He's helped me, fed me and those less fortunate than me on too many occasions." - Jerry Seuseu
