The Crusaders have denied that three of their players made homophobic slurs during an altercation at a fast-food joint in Cape Town.
A South African Twitter user alleged that prominent Crusaders and All Blacks players were hurling homophobic slurs at him and his friend at a McDonald’s in a prominent entertainment district in Cape Town following their 19-19 draw with the Stormers.
The players are said to have made ‘limp-wristed gestures’ and adopted high-pitched voices while exhibiting ‘physically intimidating behaviour’.
The Crusaders said in a statement that they were aware of the allegations, but refuted the account of events.
‘Allegations have been made via social media that there was a verbal altercation between members of the public and some Crusaders players who were out getting food after the match against the Stormers in Cape Town. The original post claimed players exhibited homophobic behaviour.
‘The three players, team management and the South African-based security advisor with them, strongly refute the socialised account of what happened. They are devastated by the allegation and the implication of homophobic behaviour.’
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said they will meet with the team upon their return to Christchurch.
‘This is an organisation that is committed to inclusivity and is proud to have earned the Rainbow Tick certification. That is what makes these allegations particularly distressing.
‘Given the serious nature of these allegations I will be meeting with the team management and players on their return to Christchurch, however I am confident in the account that we have received from the team and the security advisor who was present.’
The Saders are returning home to face the Blues in Christchurch this Saturday.
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— adam (@adamlennoxx) May 18, 2019
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