{"id":294827,"date":"2023-10-22T10:39:27","date_gmt":"2023-10-22T10:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/?p=294827"},"modified":"2023-10-22T10:39:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-22T10:39:27","slug":"rugby-world-cup-rocked-by-racism-storm-as-south-africa-star-accused-of-slur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/rugby-league\/rugby-world-cup-rocked-by-racism-storm-as-south-africa-star-accused-of-slur\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby World Cup rocked by ‘racism storm’ as South Africa star accused of slur"},"content":{"rendered":"

England v South Africa review<\/h3>\n

England star Tom Curry alleged to referee Ben O\u2019Keeffe that he was the subject of racist abuse during his side\u2019s Rugby World Cup semi-finals defeat to South Africa. The flanker was overheard accusing South Africa\u2019s Bongi Mbonambi of calling him a \u2018white c***\u2019.<\/p>\n

England were cruelly beaten 16-15 by the Springboks on Saturday night, with a late penalty from Handre Pollard proving decisive. Steve Borthwick\u2019s side dominated proceedings and led for the majority of the match but ultimately fell short, with South Africa rallying late on to book their spot in the final.<\/p>\n

The remarkable comeback will be fondly remembered by Springboks, though risks being overshadowed following allegations of racism in the match. The incident occurred just before the 30-minute mark, with England leading 9-3.<\/p>\n

With the ball out of play, England star Curry approached O\u2019Keeffe and can be overheard on the referee\u2019s microphone asking: \u201cSir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

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O\u2019Keeffe then replied: \u201cNothing, please. I will be on it.\u201d It is unclear whether the referee\u2019s response is in reference to Curry\u2019s allegation but no further action was taken against South Africa\u2019s Mbonambi and he was not approached by the New Zealand official. There is no audible evidence where the allegations of abuse can be heard.<\/p>\n

Following the full-time whistle, Mbonambi appeared to refuse to shake Curry\u2019s hand, despite congratulating other members of the England team for their performance. Speaking after the match, Curry was asked whether the South Africa player said something that he shouldn\u2019t have, to which the Sale Sharks star replied: \u201cYeah, it does not need to be talked about.\u201d<\/p>\n