Former England wing Ugo Monye has criticised the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) for rescinding its sanction against captain Pablo Matera, saying the governing body is more interested in protecting its players than in dealing with racism.
Flanker Matera was stripped of the captaincy and, along with lock Guido Petti and hooker Santiago Socino, suspended on Tuesday for comments posted between 2011 and 2013, which disparaged black people and those from other South American nations.
But the UAR on Thursday said the players’ apologies, combined with their good behaviour in the years since the comments were posted, meant the suspension could be lifted.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
“I’ve been so frustrated,” Monye, who was capped 14 times by England between 2008-2012, told the BBC.
“Rugby doesn’t know how to deal with racism, hence why we have seen a U-turn within 48 hours.
“Racism seems to be this outlier forever because no-one wants to own up to it. If you’ve got the union saying it’s immature, that’s what they think it is.
“Just so we are clear, the comments are not immature – they are racist and vile.”
Monye also condemned the abuse Matera received online in response to the comments.
“For those people that have tweeted him and his family – shame on you too,” he said.
“That is not how we move forward.
“I wouldn’t want to be judged on the person I was eight years ago. I’m not saying that’s what we need to do with Matera. But I want it to be acknowledged and dealt with in the appropriate fashion.
“The UAR are more interested in protecting their player than they are in dealing with the issue of racism, which affects millions of people every single day.”
Muglair
Roar Rookie
The statement by Ugo Monye neatly underscores the problems caused by the UAR approach (and that of RA, CA and others). Without giving any form of support or avenue of explanation for the players UAR has acted unilaterally to appease whoever they are trying to appease. In response to that over reaction other elements (whoever they are, and including the touring party) protest and UAR reverse their position. Now UAR just looks stupid, spineless and weak. The players in question still have had no right of reply or platform on which they can properly explain their actions (or fail to explain them). Just like CA and RA before them they have managed to offend everyone without achieving anything.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
It was an injustice that was overturned.
Peter
Roar Rookie
That's right. Tolerance is not a one way street.
Steven Harris
And the ability to forgive
charly_777
Roar Rookie
It seems much worse to me, that an excellent young man who wants to study and progress cannot study at a university because he does not have money to pay for his studies! That is the worst judgment: that of unshared Knowledge!
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
’09 B&I Lion
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Ugo who?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Sure don’t view everything through a prism of racism but maybe review racist comments through one?
Wigeye
Guest
More political or political correctness getting in the way of rugby don't they know there's a game on
soapit
Roar Guru
Seems like another considered respectful voice in the discussion
Peter
Roar Rookie
Lot's of things affect people every day. Not just Racism and they include, Injustice, hypocrisy and the denial of a human's rights including the right to reform. Not everything should be judged through a prism of Racism.