Sharks participant Bongi Mbonambi has issued a public apology to feminine referee Aimee Barrett-Theron for his “disrespectful” conduct within the recreation in opposition to the Lions on Saturday, 2 March.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based participant – who can be a Springbok – captained the URC recreation within the absence of Lukhanyo Am.
The Lions gained the sport 40-10 on residence turf on the Emirates Airline Park stadium in Johannesburg. In a post-match interview, Bongi seemingly shifted among the blame on the ref for the membership’s dismal loss.
BONGI MBONAMBI APOLOGY – RUGBY FANS ARE NOT BUYING IT
In a press release posted on the Sharks social media pages, Bongi Mbonambi mirrored on his actions in the direction of referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. He additionally acknowledged the workforce’s poor efficiency within the season.
He mentioned: “As gamers, we now have to take a tough take a look at ourselves after this end result. We can not blame anybody else and have loads of laborious work forward of us.
Addressing the ref, he continued: “I’m an all-in sort of participant, and generally my feelings get the higher of me. I’ve full respect for officers and the position they play in our sport.
“It was by no means my intention to return throughout as impolite or troublesome. I apologised to the referee at half-time and meant completely no disrespect.”
Whereas Bongi’s apology could have been heartfelt, many weren’t satisfied it was genuine
@polar_roach: “Bongi positively didn’t say or write that. However well worth the strive.”
@labani_anderson: “Certainly ChatGPT wrote this!”
@ruanvandenheever: “Bongi might be seeing this for the primary time, like the remainder of us”
WATCH: WHAT DID REF SAY TO PLAYER?
All through the Sharks vs Lions recreation, rugby followers accused Bongi Mbonambi of being unnecessarily impolite in the direction of referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. This consists of claims he walked away when she spoke, interrupted her, and questioned her selections on the pitch.
In a clip that went viral on social media, the 36-year-old appeared to have had sufficient of the participant’s perspective,
She will be heard saying: “Bongi, could I communicate please? Pay attention, I absolutely respect you and who you might be, and I’m effectively conscious that all your gamers have most likely performed extra video games than I’ve refereed within the URC.
“However we’re on the identical area, so should you may present me the identical respect that I present you, that may be very a lot appreciated.”
