Argentina’s coach, Felipe Contepomi, expressed his discontent after the match against England, describing the English player Tom Curry as a “thug”. The tension erupted after a play that resulted in the injury of Juan Cruz Mallia, an Argentinian player.
Contepomi accused Curry of having insulted and pushed him in the tunnel after the match, which increased the frustration of the Argentinian team.
The Incident on the Court
The controversy arose in the 75th minute, when Mallia suffered an injury after a tackle by Curry. Contepomi considered the action as “reckless” and late, resulting in a penalty for Curry.
After the match, tempers flared on the field, with Curry at the center of the controversy. An altercation occurred between Curry and some Argentinian players. Contepomi reported that the situation worsened in the tunnel, where Curry allegedly told him “go to hell” and pushed him.
He was there and he approached wanting to greet one of our coaches, but we told him no because we were upset. It was reckless and he broke our player’s knee,” Contepomi said.
Felipe Contepomi
Contepomi added that he expected an attitude of respect and apology from Curry, instead of what he considered a “bully” attitude.England coach Steve Borthwick said he did not witness the incident, but did acknowledge that there was an altercation.
Regarding Mallia’s injury, Contepomi indicated that the extent has not yet been confirmed, but they suspect an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The player had to leave the field and showed signs of pain.
Maro Itoje, England player, commented that emotions are usually running high after the matches, but highlighted the respect between both teams.
