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World Rugby statement: Alleged discriminatory language
By PA
World Rugby has opened an investigation into the alleged racist slur directed at England flanker Tom Curry by South Africa hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final.
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Curry claimed to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of the Stade de France clash that he had been called a “white c***” by Mbonambi.
“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously,” a statement read.
“We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.
“World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process.”
South Africa on Sunday responded by confirming they are looking into the incident.
“We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence. We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim,” an SA Rugby statement read.
When asked after the match if Mbonambi had said something he should not have done, Curry replied “yeah”, although he declined to reveal the content of the remark.
Mbonambi, who took over as captain once Siya Kolisi had been replaced, refused to shake Curry’s hand at the end of a dramatic clash in Paris that was won by Handre Pollard’s penalty after 78 minutes.
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World Rugby confirmed on Sunday that there is a 36-hour window from when the game ends for England to lodge a complaint to the citing officer, which gave them until 10am BST this morning to lodge a complaint.
What colour is stout?
What colour is chocolate?
What colour is snow?
To avoid your friends being racist, never ask these questions.
Of ‘n opperste Poes….
So it's Curry's word against Bongi's, no big blow, no proof ,if he had just left out white it would have been accurate
The English lost…get over yourselves! You were not good enough! The Boks speak Afrikaans on the field and Bongi simply said 'Wit Kant' which translates as 'White Side!' It's got nothing to do with 'White C**t!' Go back home and go play in your 6 Nations. Brits = Cry Babies
Farrell to ref V Fiji “He slapped him, he SLAPPED him” squealing like a child. Later told the ref someone PUSHED someone. This is rugby you tattle tale. Time to grab a dose of testosterone. If I was called a white c*** by a black fellow I would expect it was in response to something I’d done, said. Time to put on the big boy pants!
Just to add, I also said voetsek to the TV in the pub when farrel back chatted the ref. Waiting for World Rugby to suspend me please.
Surely we need to know when this “process” will be concluded!!! Talk about fair prep? Is this a level playing field?
Still the proof of this allegation hasn't surfaced anywhere. Strange isn't it?
What a great game. England turned up and made there fans excited and proud of there performance.
I’m unfortunately not a lawyer but has there been any proof of the “claim”. Will it boil down to he say, He Said…
Wold Rugby has just given the Bokke ammunition for the final. Remember The Autumn Series, where world rugby on the eve of the England game, suspended Rassie.. thought they would interrupt the build - history will show bokke will take this on the field , just to show World Rugby the middle finger. We were expecting a quite build up by the 2 tops teams but this incident will add some spice.
BILL and his team at world a Rugby are past there sell by date instead of interfering in hear say…
All the to our biggest Rivals the All Black’s.
Such a proud nation not to be baited by this side show - sour grapes from the Norhtern Hemisphere.
Let's assume he meant to swear at Curry. How are referees allowed to shout White release, Black/Green no, Red/Blue stay on and not be racist. Colour is used to refer to teams.
Point is, it will be hard to prove racism given the use of colour on the pitch.