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Cape Town - Some rugby fans allegedly experienced incidents of intimidation and racism while attending the Rugby Championship Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park at the weekend.
A few fans who attended the game voiced their concerns to Radio 702 on Tuesday, claiming they were racially abused.
One supporter said he had accompanied three friends from Namibia to the game, and said racist comments were directed to them by Afrikaans fans in the stands as well as in the toilets.
“Not even other supporters hearing this around us spoke against it. I also would like to add that, despite us reporting this to stewards, they were ill-equipped to do anything about it. I’ve come to a decision that I will never attend a Springbok match in South Africa anymore,” the fan told the radio station.
When asked to comment on the matter, Golden Lions Rugby Union CEO, Rudolph Straeuli, said he wasn’t aware of the incident.
“I cannot comment on this alleged incident because it wasn’t reported to me. Obviously it’s come through on your website (Radio 702). Every single complaint that has come through our website, we’ve dealt with.
“We stand very firm against any abuse, racism and xenophobia at the Lions. If that happened, we’re very sorry for this person and we have to protect people like that.
“There are emergency numbers on the big screens. My men and staff members are out there. It wasn’t reported to any of them on the day, so I’m very sorry for that person.”
Straeuli said there were 140 police men and women, 900 security officers and 50 GLRU staff members on duty on the day.
He said there are platforms like the Lions’ official website and Facebook page where fans can voice their grievances.
CLICK HERE to listen to Rudolph Straeuli's interview with Radio 702
