The Golden Lions Rugby Union say they are aware of an alleged racist incident that occurred last week during a club game between the Under-21 teams of Roodepoort and Wanderers.
The Lions said statements had been received from both clubs and the referee involved, and that their disciplinary committee, which includes independent lawyers, will investigate the incident. Only then will the union issue a formal statement on what happened.
A brief statement issued on social media by the Lions said: “The GLRU condemns racism in all its forms and will not tolerate such behaviour.”
According to a statement by the Wanderers club, their black players were racially abused and assaulted by players from Roodepoort during their match last week. They add the referee did not do anything about the alleged abuse after being informed what was being directed towards them by the Wanderers players.
Apparently the verbal attack turned physical after the match – which was won 26-21 by Roodepoort – when the black Wanderers players are alleged to have been assaulted by the Roodepoort players and supporters.
“This is a constitutional rights issue, and we hope that as affiliates of the GLRU, the governing body will handle this matter with the appropriate level of urgency and firmness,” reads part of the Wanderers’ statement.