On the 19th of May, Three Crusaders players were accused on social media by two people at the restaurant of alleged “physically intimidating” behaviour and making homophobic slurs.
The allegations arose when a South African Twitter user posted a message claiming “a friend of mine and his friends” were “attacked” by members of the New Zealand rugby team in McDonald’s in Long St, Cape Town.
“As we entered, we were met by jeers and sniggers from them,” one of the complainants alleged in a separate post.
“They then proceeded to record us as a joke.
“When catching them in the act, they told us they did because we looked funny to them.”
The complainants alleged some players “began physically intimidating us – coming up to our faces telling us we better stop arguing or they will “f…. us up if we didn’t watch it”.
“Then, after arguing that straight white men are losing power, we were met with homophobic slurs, limp wrists and high pitched voices which were clearly in gest [sic].
The Crusaders have since contacted one of the gentlemen involved in the incident.
“Hi Alexandros, We wanted to contact you in relation to the allegations about some members of our team. Given the serious nature of these allegations, we would like to give you the opportunity to provide us with your full account of what happened and any evidence you may wish to provide prior to our CEO meeting with the team when they return to Christchurch tomorrow. Many thanks.”
This was met with a prompt reply from Paterimos, who was offended team management had earlier denied the allegations.
“Allegations have been made via social media that there was a verbal altercation between members of the public and some Crusaders players who were out getting food after the match against the Stormers in Cape Town. The original post claimed players exhibited homophobic behaviour.
“The three players, team management and the South African-based security advisor with them, strongly refute the socialised account of what happened. They are devastated by the allegation and the implication of homophobic behaviour.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said: “This is an organisation that is committed to inclusivity and is proud to have earned the Rainbow Tick certification. That is what makes these allegations particularly distressing.
Since the accusers have since sought out surveillance footage from the McDonalds outlet where the confrontation allegedly took place.
“Hi there! We understand that you may have your reservations against us as the men are most likely lying to you about what happened, however, we will prove that we are not lying as we are getting surveillance footage today from the McDonalds (as we weren’t able to yesterday). After we get that back, then you will see that we deserve an apology and some action against this homophobic behaviour. Telling us that we are lying is EXTREMELY offensive and we will not stand for that. Kind regards, Alex.”
