‘Insufficient evidence’ - World Rugby won't charge Bongi Mbonambi for alleged Tom Curry slur, RFU 'deeply disappointed'
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Updated 26/10/2023 at 09:22 GMT
Bongi Mbonambi will not face any punishment after it was alleged he used discriminatory language against Tom Curry. The South Africa hooker was accused by Curry of calling him a "white c***," but a statement released by World Rugby on Thursday confirmed that no further action will be taken, "unless additional evidence comes to light." The Springboks face New Zealand in the World Cup final.
Highlights as South Africa beat England in semi-finals of Rugby World Cup
World Rugby will not charge South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi for the alleged use of discriminatory language against England’s Tom Curry due to “insufficient evidence.”
Curry said to referee Brian O'Keeffe during the game: “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?”
To which O'Keeffe replied: “Nothing, please. I’ll be on it.”
Curry’s words were picked up by O'Keeffe's microphone, but no further action will be taken against the South Africa hooker.
World Rugby said in a statement: "World Rugby has undertaken a review of allegations made by England's Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language by South Africa's Mbongeni Mbonambi during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday along with a further allegation brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.
"Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges. Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light.
"It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious.
"World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport's values of respect, integrity and solidarity."
England's governing body for the sport - the Rugby Football Union - has hit out at World Rugby's dealing of the situation.
In a statement, they said: "The RFU are deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby. The decision not to put the evidence before an Independent Disciplinary Panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.
"In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England Squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye.
"Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby. It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game."
South Africa are now preparing for the World Cup final against New Zealand this Saturday, aiming to retain the trophy after beating England 32-12 in the 2019 final.
They face an All Blacks side also aiming to win the Webb Ellis Trophy for a fourth time after victories in 1987, 2011 and 2015 respectively.
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