Former RFU member Andrew Sarek, England player Tom Curry and Springboks’ Bongi Mbonambi. Images via Twitter @Sbu_Mjikeliso @OPRFC and @Patricia344130
England RFU member Andrew Sarek admits to using racial slur, after Springboks Bongi Mbonambi got cleared against Tom Curry
RFU member Andrew Sarek comes clean, the day after Springboks Bongi Mbonambi was cleared of using a racial slur against England’s Tom Curry
Former RFU member Andrew Sarek, England player Tom Curry and Springboks’ Bongi Mbonambi. Images via Twitter @Sbu_Mjikeliso @OPRFC and @Patricia344130
RFU council member Andrew Sarek has been banned from attending matches in England after calling a union volunteer a ‘black ****’. The revelation comes after Springboks Bongi Mbonambi was cleared in the Tom Curry exchange.
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RFU MEMBER BANNED
Daily Mail reports that former RFU member Andrew Sarek has admitted to the racial slur, in an incident when he was attending the England versus Wales clash at Twickenham on 12 August. This is the second racism report after Tom Curry accused Springboks Bongi Mbonami of using a racial slur against him.
The organisation concluded in a disciplinary hearing held on 5 October that Sarek should be banned from attending any rugby matches in England or ‘performing any act of administration’ during that period.
The RFU pushed for a tough punishment and the lack of an apology: ‘Mr Sarek showed no insight into his racist behaviour. Education is a vital part of this sanction.’
The unnamed victim revealed that he is beginning to feel tired of defending the people in the game of rugby in reference to issues of racism and as someone with a long-term involvement in the sport.
Former RFU council member Alex Murphy also got banned earlier this year for his words: “You realise they don’t let n****rs in the Royal Box”. This incident occured during the England versus Wales match at Twickenham on 22 February.
ANDREW SAREK: ‘I AM NOT A RACIST’
The former RFU member Andrew Sarek said in a statement that he’s not a racist, nor has he ever been accused of being one.
“I am not a racist, nor have I ever been accused of being one, or for having racist views.” He also apologised for his ourtburst.
Describing his outburst as an ‘aberration’, Sarek said: “What I said was crass and insensitive and I am very sorry for the hurt and distress I caused. If there needs to be a disciplinary hearing, I am prepared to accept whatever punishment the panel deems appropriate.”
The organisation concluded that Sarek would have likely received over a two-year ban if he had not pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, given the severity of the offence.
ALSO READ: ‘Enough of this CURRY’: Springboks fans slam England player, defend Bongi Mbonambi
