Cape Town - A Wynberg Boys’ rugby team walked off the field during a match against Paarl Gimnasium over the weekend after some of them were alleged to have been racially abused.
The school’s under-16 team were – according to sources at the game – subjected to the k-word, and at some point a Paarl Gim boy allegedly told a boy from Wynberg: “I will slap the coloured off your face.”
When the alleged slurs continued in the second half, the Wynberg Boys’ team decided to walk off the field. At the time, Paarl Gim were leading 33-0.
Wynberg Boys’ High School principal Keith Richardson confirmed that the side had walked off. He said he had heard various stories from the team, and was pursuing the matter.
“I spoke to the Paarl Gim headmaster and he hadn’t heard of the incident… I think there is more going around on social networks,” he said.
Richardson said they were also trying to get in contact with the referee, who is said to have heard the racial slurs and is alleged to have done nothing to stop them.
“We are trying to research the exact facts.”
Paarl Gim headmaster Eddie Bateman could not be reached for comment on Monday, nor could the head of rugby at Paarl Gim, Deon Gerber.
Western Province Rugby Union’s manager of schools rugby, Theo Kleinhans, said he had not yet received a complaint or a report on the incident.
“The policy of the Western Province Rugby Union is that they (schools) have to discuss the matter first and then it will be decided what happens to the player or players involved.”
Kleinhans said players could incur anything from a one-match ban to being banned for the season.
The incident sparked outrage on social networks, with many applauding Wynberg Boys for standing up against racism.
@JustSportZA tweeted: “So one of Wynberg’s U16 rugby sides marched off the field this morning after Paarl Gim players racially abused a black player. Disgraceful.”
On Facebook, Haroun Fortuin said: “Now only if some of our so-called leaders can follow these youngsters’ example.”
Another said: “Wynberg Boys’ High I salute you, I hate racism as I’m faced with it every day at my place of work.”
On Twitter, @Ladysans said: “Don’t have the full details, but if true, big up to the Wynberg rugby boys who walked off the field after their teammate was racially abused.”
Cape Argus