'I know what I heard': Footy star Tyrone Peachey, 29, stands by his claim that an opponent called him a 'black c**t' in the middle of a game - as the NRL launches a racism investigation

Indigenous footy star Tyrone Peachey is standing by his claim he was racially abused by an opponent, saying: 'I know what I heard'.

Peachey approached NRL referee Chris Sutton during his Gold Coast Titans side's clash with the Newcastle Knights on Friday night alleging he was called a 'black c**t' by a rival player.

'That back-rower (Mitchell Barnett) just called me a black c**t,' Titans star Peachey could be heard to say.

Titans star Tyrone Peachey (pictured right) 'won't stand' for any racism after he feels he was abused on field against the Knights on Friday

Despite Peachey's claim, Barnett has reportedly told Knights club officials he did not racially abuse the former Sharks and Panthers utility, according to The Newcastle Herald.

On Saturday afternoon Peachey doubled down, telling The Daily Telegraph 'he won't stand' for any form of racism.

'I need to be a role model to young Indigenous kids and for my two daughters and make sure they know it's not OK to let people say those remarks,' he said.

'I know exactly what I heard and that's why I reacted the way I did.

'It can be put down to ignorance, heat of the competition or lack of education. Either way I won't stand for it.

'Barnett could have called me anything else and it wouldn't have bothered me, but for him to say what he said, I want him and everyone else to know that those things are not OK to say.

'I'm making a statement in hope to educate and to make sure others know it's not OK and to call out racism.' 

On field, Sutton repeatedly encouraged the Titans lock to make an official complaint, but Peachey declined to do so, meaning the referee was unable to take the allegation further.

The NRL and the Knights will now launch a formal joint investigation into Peachey's allegations.

The Titans are also likely to follow up the matter.

Referee Chris Sutton (pictured left) repeatedly asked Tyrone Peachey (pictured right) if he wanted to take the matter further

Titans star Tyrone Peachey (pictured right) alleges he was racially abused on Friday night in a NRL match versus the Knights

'It is hugely disappointing to report an alleged racial slur in that game in which Tyrone Peachey was the victim,' Fox Sports presenter Jess Yates told Fox League viewers on Friday night.

'It was fairly obvious to hear what was allegedly said to him. It's highly disappointing to think that still exists in our game.

'There is absolutely no room for any racial slur or racial abuse, and if that is what happened tonight hopefully there will be an apology from that player.'

Last month Penrith centre Brent Naden made a complaint against crowd members after they racially abused him during a game on the NSW Central Coast.

The matter was closed after Naden recently accepted an apology from one of the men. 

Panthers centre Brent Naden (pictured right) was racially abused by fans in a match just last month