Sharks rugby player Bongi Mbonambi has issued a public apology to referee Aimee Barrett-Theron regarding his controversial behaviour after a short clip of their conversation went viral.
Over the weekend, the Lions took on the Sharks – captained by Lukhanyo Am but led by Bongi for that particular match- at the United Rugby Championship. Unfortunately for Bongi’s team, they had lost 40-10.
In the viral clip showing Aimee and Bongi’s exchange, the referee is heard telling Bongi, “Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC. But we are on the same field, so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.”
Absolutely love this from referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. The way she commands respect from one of the most well known players in world rugby in Bongi Mbonambi is superb 👏 Aimee is a great referee who knows how to get captains to work with her! pic.twitter.com/ZJHurv8ng1
— Alex Lambe 🏉 (@RugbyLambo) March 3, 2024
While Aimee was praised by many for how she handled the encounter, some thought Bongi to be disrespectful.
I know Bongi Mbonambi is a senior player for both the Sharks and Springboks, but Saturday showed that his ref management is still bad. He always had something to say and it gets on the wrong side of refs. He needs to act better than what he did on Saturday.
— Thala Msutu (@ThalaMsutu77) March 4, 2024
Bongi Mbonambi should never be the springbok captain. He whines and is super disrespectful. Bravo to the ref for calling him out on it.
— Syler (@sylerSA) March 2, 2024
Bongi Mbonambi getting a talking to and well deserved, he has twice walked away from the ref, he is on think ice, not matter how frustrated he is
— Rugby Bits (@RugbyBits) March 2, 2024
The Springboks player has since released a statement via the Sharks on social media. He said:
“As players, we have to take a hard look at ourselves after this result. We cannot blame anyone else and have a lot of hard work ahead of us. I am an all-in type of player and sometimes my emotions may get the better of me.”
The statement continued, “I have full respect for officials and the role they play within our sport. It was never my intention to come across as rude or difficult. I apologised to the referee at halftime and meant absolutely no disrespect.”
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