South Africa Fans Uncover New Footage They Say PROVES Bongi Mbonambi' 'White*** C"

6 months ago
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New footage has emerged from South Africa's semi-final against England on the weekend that appears to prove Bongi Mbonambi was speaking to his team-mates in Afrikaans - and he did not racially abuse Tom Curry.

In the 24th minute of last Saturday's match, South African hooker Mbonambi makes a tackle on England flanker Curry along with team-mate Franco Mostert.

When England are then awarded a penalty, Curry asks referee Ben O'Keeffe: 'When their hooker calls me a white c, what do I do?' - to which O'Keeffe replies: 'Nothing.'

World Rugby has since confirmed they are investigating the incident, but now a clip posted to social media appears to suggest Mbonambi was saying 'wit kant' in Afrikaans, which translates to 'white side'.

The aerial footage with audio provided by O’Keeffe's microphone picks up what the players are saying at each ruck.

The footage shows the South African defense scrambling to stop England from reaching the try line, making tackle after tackle.

After being given an advantage for a penalty, captain Owen Farrell attempted to chip a ball to Elliot Daly on the wing, which he was unable to reach.

O'Keeffe then brings play back to where the penalty was awarded, which is when Curry walks over to the ref to ask what he should do about the alleged racial abuse.

Rugby fans on social media have claimed it is usual for the Springboks to speak to each other in Afrikaans, and this is not racial abuse.

One person commented beneath the video: 'The team speaks Afrikaans all the time to make it harder for opposition to understand. Curry owes Bongi an apology.'

Another said: 'I'm struggling so I could be wrong, but to me, it sounds like he's saying "wyd kant" (same side we're folding to).'

On Monday, World Rugby revealed they would be looking into Mbonambi in a statement.

'World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behavior extremely seriously,” read a statement from the governing body.

'We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry about the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.

'World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process.'

While Mbonambi has not yet formally responded to the allegations, a South Africa rugby spokesperson has said: '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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