Sharks player Bongi Mbonambi has been criticised for his attitude towards female referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
Images via TikTok: @supersporttv
‘Show me respect’: Female ref praised for ‘checking’ Bongi Mbonambi [watch]
Frustrated or just plain rude? Sharks player Bongi Mbonambi has been called out for his attitude towards female ref Aimee Barrett-Theron.
Sharks player Bongi Mbonambi has been criticised for his attitude towards female referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
Images via TikTok: @supersporttv
Female referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has been praised for her exceptional communication with Sharks player Bongi Mbonambi, who captained the squad in their URC clash against the Lions on Saturday, 2 March…
The KwaZulu-Natal-based player – who is also a Springbok – was accused of “disrespecting” Barrett-Theron throughout the game.
The Lions – won the game 40 -10 on home turf at the Emirates Airline Park stadium in Johannesburg.
In a post-match interview, Bongi shifted some of the blame on the ref for the club’s loss.
FEMALE REF ‘CHECKS’ BONGI MBONAMBI
Throughout the Sharks vs Lions game, rugby fans accused Bongi Mbonambi of being unnecessarily rude towards referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. This includes claims he walked away when she spoke, interrupted her, and questioned her decisions on the pitch.
In one clip that has gone viral on social media, the 36-year-old seemed to have had enough of the player’s attitude,
She can be heard saying: “Bongi, may I speak please? Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC.
“But we are on the same field, so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.”
Watch the clip below…
@supersportofficial Aimee Barrett-Theron laying down the law at Emirates Airline Park 🤯 #UnitedWeRise #SSRugby #OriginRound #LIOvSHA ♬ original sound – SuperSportTV
FANS DISAPPOINTED IN SHARKS PLAYER
Meanwhile, rugby fans have criticised Bongi Mbonambi for his condescending attitude towards the female referee.
@RugbyBits: “Bongi getting a talking to and well deserved. He has twice walked away from the ref, and he is on thin ice, no matter how frustrated he is.”
@dylmjack: “Bongi seems to illustrate the problems at the Sharks. Shift all the blame outward. No introspection. It’s always the ref’s fault or the TMO’s fault”
@BraaiOfThrones: “Post-match interview. P*** poor, Bongi. I lost a bit of respect for you. Respect the ref!”
@ndidikwe1: “Bongi’s attitude towards Amy is appalling! I’m very disappointed in him. He walks away from her while she’s speaking. He challenges all her calls and speaks over her. That’s disgusting. He wouldn’t do that to a male ref. He’s a Springbok. More is expected of him.”
@uShozi: “Bongi Mbonambi’s attitude stinks. Why would you walk away like that when the ref is speaking to you?”
