Sale Sharks statement: ‘Disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry’

Sake Sharks have issued a statement in support of Tom Curry after the England back-rower and his family were subjected to “disgusting abuse” after he reported being on the receiving end of alleged discriminatory language during last Saturday night’s Rugby World Cup semi-final versus South Africa.

It emerged in the aftermath of England’s dramatic 16-15 loss to South Africa at Stade de France that Curry had approached referee Ben O’Keeffe midway through the opening half and asked the official. “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” O’Keeffe replied: “Nothing, please. I’ll be on it.”

Curry opted to stay silent in the post-game mixed zone when asked about what had happened, but it emerged on Monday that World Rugby were formally reviewing the allegation in relation to the use of discriminatory language by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

That situation ignited a heap of negative social media commentary about Curry and his Gallagher Premiership club decided to act on Wednesday, calling out the abuse and issuing its full support for their player.

“Sale Sharks’ owners, players, coaches and staff are absolutely appalled by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the England vs South Africa World Cup semi-final,” read the statement.

“Everyone at the club stands fully and proudly behind Tom and we look forward to welcoming him back to Carrington."