{"id":294359,"date":"2023-10-25T21:08:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T21:08:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=294359"},"modified":"2023-10-25T21:08:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T21:08:54","slug":"south-africa-star-accused-of-racial-slur-discovers-world-cup-final-fate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/rugby-league\/south-africa-star-accused-of-racial-slur-discovers-world-cup-final-fate\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa star accused of racial slur discovers World Cup final fate"},"content":{"rendered":"

England team train ahead of Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match against Argentina<\/h3>\n

South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi is reportedly free to play in Saturday\u2019s Rugby World Cup final despite an ongoing investigation into his conduct. Mbonambi was accused by Tom Curry of using a racial slur during England\u2019s semi-final defeat by the Springboks last Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

England flanker Curry accused Mbonambi of calling him a \u201cwhite c***\u201d during South Africa\u2019s 16-15 victory over England last weekend. World Rugby has confirmed it is investigating the allegations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The governing body says it takes reports of discriminatory behaviour \u201cextremely seriously\u201d and will look into the claims. Despite that, South Africa head coach <\/span>Jacques Nienaber will apparently have Mbonambi available for Saturday\u2019s showdown with New Zealand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 32-year-old is free to play for South Africa despite the ongoing investigation into an alleged racial slur. An outcome into the probe is not expected until after Saturday\u2019s clash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A statement by World Rugby said: \u201cWorld Rugby takes allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Owen Farrell furious at Curry abuse as England skipper speaks out at World Cup[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorld Rugby will not be making any further comment until the conclusion of the process.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Curry was heard repeating the alleged phrase to referee Ben O\u2019Keeffe and asking what to do. The microphone picked up the England star saying: \u201cSir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

O’Keeffe replied: \u201cNothing, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was then an altercation between Curry and Mbonambi after the match, with the pair seemingly not shaking hands. Some fans believe Mbonambi was speaking Afrikaans and saying \u2018wit kant\u2019, meaning \u2018white side\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n