springbok, tom curry, bongi mbonambi, england Mbonambi

Springbok Bongi Mbonambi is accused of using a racial slur against England player Tom Curry.
Images via Twitter:
@englandrugby/ @springboks

Lost in translation? Is this what Springbok Bongi Mbonambi said to England player? [listen]

Racial slur or lost in translation? Here’s what South Africans think Springbok Bongi Mbonambi said to England’s Tom Curry.

by Megan van den Heever

22-10-2023 14:26

in Celeb News

Springbok Bongi Mbonambi is accused of using a racial slur against England player Tom Curry.
Images via Twitter:
@englandrugby/ @springboks

England rugby player Tom Curry has accused Springbok Bongi Mbonambi of using a racial slur against him in their heated semi-final clash on Saturday night.

According to an audio clip, the flanked accused the South African of calling him a “white c*nt”. The incident happened before halftime in the game that took place at the Stade de France.

The Boks beat their English rivals 16-15 and will progress to the finals against New Zealand next weekend.

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ENGLAND’S TOM CURRY ACCUSES BONGI MBONAMBI OF RACIAL SLUR

According to The Express, England flanker Tom Curry approached the ref Ben O’Keeffe on accusations Springbok Bongi Mbonambi racially abused him.

In O’Keeffe’s microphone, Curry can be heard saying: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?”

O’Keeffe then replied: “Nothing, please. I will be on it.”

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Listen to the clip below:

The publication added that Bongi Mbonambi appeared to snub shaking Tom Curry’s hand after the match. It added that Curry has until Monday midday to file an official complaint.

SA RUGBY RESPONDS

Meanwhile, South Africa Rugby released a statement in response to the racial slur report.

It read: “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.”

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IS THIS WHAT SPRINGBOK PLAYER REALLY SAID?

On social media, Springboks fans have rubbished the England player’s complaints.

According to rugby commentator AP Cronje, Bongi Mbonambi likely shouted: “‘white kant’ to alert all his defenders that the ball was on the English side.”

Others had other plausible explanations for an alleged misunderstanding.

@Plotted_Sports: “Or Wind Gat?”

@pumba_sa: “Onkant. Afrikaans for offside”