England Rugby Captain Owen Farrell Condemns Online Abuse of Teammate Tom Curry Over Racial Allegation Against South African Player

Captain Farrell stands by Curry as both on-field and online backlash continues over alleged racial slur in World Cup semi-final, prompting calls for greater action against online hate speech.

England Rugby Captain Owen Farrell has spoken out against the online abuse his teammate Tom Curry has received following a racial allegation against South African player Bongi Mbonambi in a World Cup semi-final.
Farrell calls attention to the harmful and personal impact these moments of online hate have not only on the players but also their family, urging those engaging in such behaviour to remember that they're dealing with human beings.
Curry alleged that Mbonambi used a discriminatory slur against him during their match; however, South African supporters maintain that Mbonambi was saying "wit kant", meaning "white side", referring to England's defence.
World Rugby and South Africa Rugby are investigating the matter, but no action has been taken yet, and it's unlikely that an investigation will conclude before the upcoming World Cup final. Mbonambi might face a ban if found guilty of misconduct.
Farrell, and other figures in English and club rugby have strongly supported Curry amidst the controversy, with Farrell praising him as "one of the most honest, most hardworking blokes" he's ever played with.