Supersport is ‘looking into’ Ashwin Willemse’s set walk-off

Supersport says it is ‘looking into’ the events that caused former Springbok Ashwin Willemse to storm off set while live on air.

The 36-year-old Willemse walked out after accusing fellow Supersport pundits Nick Mallett and Naas Botha of patronising and undermining him. The incident took place following the the Lions Super Rugby win over the Brumbies at Ellis Park.

“I played this game for a long time, like all of us here. As a player I was labelled a quota player for a long time. I’ve worked hard to earn my respect in this game, so I’m not going to be patronised by two players who played in Apartheid – a segregated era – who come and want to undermine me,” said Willemse.

It was always going to happen on Live television. Ashwin Willemse i am so glad you finally put Nick Mallet and Naas Botha in their Place. @robertmarawa @Sbu_Mjikeliso @Couch_Krit @ntsabomluleki @ThabisoSithole @Veli_Mbuli #sonofthesoil 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/mtLHDTAiq0

— ThandoManana🇿🇦 (@TandoManana) May 19, 2018

“I can’t work with people who undermine other people. So you [Botha and Mallet] can sit and laugh about it, but you know exactly what happened. I don’t mind, I’m glad it happened so people can see, because you two sit here …”  he concluded before walking out.

Supersport says it’s going to take the matter further.

“SuperSport is aware of the on-air incident and is looking into the matter,” the broadcaster said in a statement.