Owen Farrell has lambasted the online witch hunt that has seen Tom Curry receive abuse for his allegation of racism against Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Nonplussed England captain Farrell has revealed his disgust at a social media pile-on that has emerged against Curry, the Sale flanker.
Curry has accused Mbonambi of calling him a “white c***” during South Africa’s 16-15 Rugby World Cup semi-final win over England in Paris on Saturday night.
World Rugby are investigating the incident but have made no update since Monday and time is ticking on ahead of Saturday’s final between South Africa and New Zealand. The Springboks have rallied around their man, who has not commented publicly on the incident.
Head coach Steve Borthwick appeared to double down on his side’s belief in Curry’s version of events too, as the spat continues to rumble on.
“This is not a Tom Curry incident: somebody has said something in a game that he has reported and now this is a World Rugby and South Africa Rugby matter to deal with, not an England matter and not a Tom Curry matter,” said Borthwick on Wednesday.
“We've said what we want to say on the matter. We have a game on Friday that we are looking forward to and Tom Curry is looking forward to.
“Tom has been the ultimate professional in his preparation this week like he always is every single day and every single week.”
England skipper Farrell revealed his growing concern over the impact of social media abuse on sports stars.
“I can’t understand the amount of abuse he’s got,” said Farrell.
“The effect that has, not just on him, as well is the bit that we really don’t understand. It seems to be going more and more like this, but it shouldn’t be. It shouldn’t be.
“I hope Tom knows that everybody close to him supports him and backs him all the way, and I’m sure he does. I’m sure all the people who are close to him know that too. He is being supported really well.
“You are dealing with people, with human beings. Just because you are saying stuff on your phone or behind a computer screen doesn’t make it acceptable. It seems to be going more this way, and it’s not acceptable.
“I don’t think it’s for us to come up with an answer to that. But it doesn’t make me look fondly on engaging with people outside of those close to me.”
Curry will start Friday’s third-place play-off against Argentina, with Borthwick revealing the 25-year-old is itching to get back into action.
The Sale powerhouse was left bloodied but unbowed in defeat by South Africa, and now wants to round off England’s tournament with a win.
Borthwick continued: “I chatted to Tom earlier in the week about how he was physically with another six-day turnaround and he looked straight at me and point-blank said: ‘I am desperate to play on Friday night’.
“This guy wants to play, there is no doubt in my mind that he wants to be out there and the way he has prepared through the week is incredible.”
