Roodepoort pledges to ‘crack down on racism’ after k-word incident at rugby club

Roodepoort Rugby Club (RRC) has finally responded to the allegations made by Wanderers Rugby Club (WRC) regarding incidents during and after the U/21 match between the clubs on Wednesday, 25 April, Roodepoort Northsider reports.

WRC alleged that during the match, black Wanderers players suffered verbal abuse from Roodepoort players and their supporters.

READ MORE: Pitch drama explained: The Wanderers is on thin ice

In a previous statement, Wanderers’ allegations included that a white RRC player slapped a black WRC player and called him a ‘k****r’ while the teams were shaking hands after the game.

In RRC’s statement, they admitted: “A fight ensued post match, the cause of which is still under investigation. RRC management is currently conducting an investigation and is awaiting a disciplinary tribunal to be hosted by the Golden Lions Rugby Union.”

Despite acknowledging the incident, RRC refrained from commenting further on the matter, saying: “We cannot comment fully until after the formal process has been completed as the matter is subjudice.”

They expressed their disappointment in WRC’s handling of the incident.

“RRC is disappointed by the insistence of Wanderers Rugby Club to make controversial statements in the media whilst the investigation is ongoing and the disciplinary tribunal is still pending.”

RRC did not deny the possibility of someone associated with their club being involved, saying that the person will be dealt with accordingly should he or she be found guilty of any race-related misconduct.

The RRC statement was concluded by pledging to “crack down on racism as the club faces increased scrutiny during our 75th anniversary year”.

The exact cause and subsequent actions during the incident are still not clear, but RRC and the Golden Lions Rugby Union are investigating.

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