SA RUGBY PLAYER ACCUSED OF RACIAL SLUR AGAINST ENGLAND PLAYER

South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi has been caught up in racial slur allegations after the Springboks’ match against England during the Rugby World Cup semi-final game.

During the match on Saturday, England flanker Tom Curry approached referee Ben O’Keefe saying he wanted to report the alleged comment.

When Curry asked O’Keeffe what he should do about it, O’Keeffe simply replied: “Nothing please”.

The International Rugby Board has given England 36 hours (Monday morning) after the whistle to refer the incident to the citing commissioner.

If England decides to do it, a disciplinary hearing would then be held.

In response, SA Rugby has confirmed that it is also investigating Curry’s claim.

“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.”

The BBC reports that Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the South African squad after the Springbok management opted to replace the injured Malcolm Marx with fly-half Handre Pollard earlier in the tournament.

After the match, Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand.

Image credit: South African