New Zealand rugby player accused of homophobic and ‘physically intimidating’ behaviour
All Black star George Bridge was reportedly the only player involved but denies the accusations
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
A group of New Zealand rugby players have been accused of an alleged homophobic incident in McDonalds.
Over the weekend, some Crusaders players visited the fast food chain in Cape Town after their Super Rugby game against the Stormers, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
But customers at the chain claimed they received homophobic slurs and one man, Alexandros Paterimos, said the players were ‘physically intimidating’ and alleged they made ‘homophobic slurs, limp wrist gestures and adopted high pitched voice’.
At the time, three Crusaders players were accused of being involved in the incident, however, coach Scott Robertson confirmed All Black winger George Bridge was only involved but denies anything ‘untoward’ happened.
Robertson told reporters: “George, who I’ve talked a lot about, he engaged with him… he’s really upset around everything that’s come out, he’s extremely, authentically genuine that there was nothing ever said.
“George said, ‘Mate, I just want to have a photo with you’… there was no interaction with anyone else.
“That’s where the misinterpretation came. A selfie gone wrong really. He just can’t understand how it’s got to this platform.
“They never had any dialogue with anyone. That’s it and that’s how simple it is. Where is it now is amazing to us.
“As team and as a culture, our values have been strong. We understand what’s happened across the ditch [with the Israel Folau situation] and it’s in the forefront of our mind. We’ve talked about it as a group.”