Curry victim of online abuse following Mbonambi accusation

10/24/2023 Rugby Union

Tom Curry ‘received threats and abuse’ after accusing South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of calling him a ‘white c***’ during England’s brutal Rugby World Cup semi-final loss

  • Tom Curry has received abuse online after incident involcing Bongi Mbonambi 
  • The England flanker has accused Mbonambi of calling him a ‘white c***’
  • Cury has disabled comments on his Instagram page following the abuse
  • Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

Tom Curry has been the victim of online threats and abuse following his claim that he was racially abused by South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi. 

The England flanker has alleged that Mbonambi called him a ‘white c***’ during the first half of South Africa’s 16-15 Rugby World Cup semi-final win in Paris. 

The Sale Sharks openside approached referee Ben O’Keeffe in the 28th minute of the match, and is heard to say over the ref mic: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’ 

O’Keeffe replied: ‘Nothing, please.’ 

After the final whistle, there was a noticeable altercation between Curry and Mbonambi, who appeared to refuse to shake the England forward’s hand and marched off down the tunnel.

Tom Curry has accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of calling him a ‘white c***’ during the Rugby World Cup semi-final

Some South Africa fans believe Mbonambi was communicating with his team-mates in Afrikaans rather than abusing Curry

In the 28th minute, Curry (seen right) approached referee Ben O’Keefe and is heard to say over the referee’s microphone: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’

It was confirmed on Monday that the English Rugby Football Union had lodged an official complaint about the incident, prompting World Rugby to open an investigation. 

South Africa fans have since uncovered footage of the game that they believe in fact shows shouting at team-mates in Afrikaans rather than aiming any insult in the direction of Curry. 

It has been confirmed that World Rugby are looking into a different incident involving the same two players. 

However, that has not stopped social media users posting insults and threats about the England man. 

WARNING: The embedded clip below features very strong language

Curry has been the victim of threats and abuse posted on social media since the incident

One user posted on X (formerly Twitter): ‘We want Tom Curry sued for defamation of character unless he issues a public apology.’

Others went further, with one X user posting: ‘Tom Curry must never set foot in South Africa, ever.’    

Curry has disabled comments on his Instagram page following the abuse he has received. 

England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth has said that the squad will rally around Curry as they prepare to face Argentina in the bronze final.

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