The Springboks’ Rugby World Cup semifinal win over England was not without controversy. England flanker Tom Curry accused Springbok hooker Bongani Mbonambi of using a racial slur during the intense match. However, new video footage has emerged that may shed some light on the situation.
During the match, Curry alleged that Mbonambi called him a “white c**t.” This accusation caused a stir on social media, with fans and pundits debating whether it was true or not. The incident was captured on referee Ben O’Keeffe’s microphone, and audio clips were shared widely.
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Now, a short video clip has surfaced on social media showing the moment when Mbonambi allegedly made the comment. In the clip, England is putting pressure on the Springboks’ defense, and Mbonambi can be faintly heard shouting in Afrikaans. The words he utters sound like “wyd kant” or “wit kant,” which translate to “wide side” or “white side.”
This raises an interesting point. Given that the ball came out of a ruck on England’s side (the team in white), it would make sense for Mbonambi to shout “wit kant” at that moment. Was he referring to the location of the ball, or was it a racial slur as Curry claims?
Curry wasted no time in bringing the alleged incident to the attention of referee O’Keeffe. He approached the referee and asked, “Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t, what do I do?” O’Keeffe’s response was to assure Curry that he would handle the situation. He said, “Nothing please. I’ll be on it.”
Since then, the video clip has gone viral, with fans and pundits eagerly awaiting the outcome of World Rugby’s investigation into the matter. Many South Africans believe that the allegation against Mbonambi is a case of something being lost in translation. The Springboks often communicate in Afrikaans during games to prevent their opponents from understanding their tactics and strategies.
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It is important to note that the video footage does not provide a definitive answer to the question of whether Mbonambi used a racial slur or not. However, it does add another layer to the ongoing debate. The context in which the alleged comment was made is crucial in determining its true meaning.
As rugby fans, we must remember that incidents like these have a significant impact on the players involved and the sport as a whole. It is essential that World Rugby conducts a thorough investigation and reaches a fair and just conclusion.
