21 May 2019

Crusaders accused of homophobic abuse in Cape Town

From Morning Report, 7:10 am on 21 May 2019

A South African man who says he and his friends were mocked by Crusaders rugby players at a Cape Town McDonald's, is standing by claims they displayed threatening and homophobic behaviour.

Crusaders managers will meet players to discuss the allegations - which they are vehemently denying.

The incident occurred after their game against the Stormers in South Africa. A man posted on Twitter and Instagram that he was teased with homophobic slurs and limp-wrist gestures.

Jeremy, who's asked to keep his last name anonymous, was with him at the McDonalds and told me what happened. Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge says the team is committed to being inclusive, and he believes the accounts from players and a security adviser.

In a statement Mr Mansbridge said the three players, team management and the South African-based security advisor with them, strongly reject the account of what happened.

It goes on to say they are devastated by the allegation and the implication of homophobic behaviour.

Morning Report has approached the Crusaders management for comment, but have not heard back as of 7am Tuesday.