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Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi is not being let off the hook for an alleged ‘racist slur’ said on the field during the Boks’ World Cup semi-final victory.

The England flanker Tom Curry accused Bongi of calling him a “white c*nt” during the first half of the Springboks’ one-point victory game on Saturday.

The Guardian notes that South Africa Rugby has responded to the allegation and promised to investigate the incident.

Curry can clearly be heard on a recording via referee, Ben O’Keeffe’s microphone, making the allegation of a racist slur to the official in the 28th minute of the match:

He said: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white cunt what do I do?” The New Zealander responded by saying: “Nothing please.” He goes on to add, after a short pause: “I’ll be on it,” though it is unclear if he is referring to the specific incident. There is no audio available of the alleged comment by Mbonambi.

The UK media platform reports that Curry was visibly shaken after the match:

When asked if something was said to him by Mbonambi, he said: “Yeah.” Pressed on what had been said, he declined to say but asked if the matter had been resolved at the end of the match – Curry appeared to go to shake hands with Mbonambi but the South African seemed to push his hand away – he added: “No. It doesn’t need to be talked about. I’m not talking about it now.”

Springboks forwards coach Deon Davids said he wasn’t aware of the alleged comment made by Mbonambi.

“I’m not aware of that, I’m not aware of any comment. If it was discussed, I’m not sure what the comment was or when it was said. I don’t know,” Davids said.

SA Rugby stated that they are aware of the allegation, “which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence,” per the statement, “We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim”.

If Mbonambi faces disciplinary action he could be handed a suspension in line with law 9.12 which states a player must not verbally abuse anyone. World Rugby regulations prohibit abuse based on, but not limited to “religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation”.

SA’s 16-15 win might be tasting a little sour after this incident has come to light, but there might actually be a very reasonable explanation for it.

As 5FM radio presenter and media creator Dan Corder said in a video unpacking the incident, it is quite likely that Mbonambi was speaking Afrikaans – where “kant” means side – as in, Mbonambi might very well have said “white side” referring to the English team’s uniform, or even “wye kant” talking about the game on the ‘wide side’.

@dancorder No formal complaint but leaping to a guilty verdict #tiktoksouthafrica #southafrica #fyp #springboks #rugbyworldcup #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Dan Corder

Given that Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the squad, it would be a significant setback for South Africa before the final against New Zealand on Saturday if he is banned.

Hopefully, the relevant parties consider the Boks’ use of Afrikaans when investigating the incident.

[source:guardian]