Argentina’s coach, Felipe Contepomi, expressed his discontent after the match against England, describing the English player Tom Curry as a “thug.” The tension arose after Juan Cruz Mallia, an Argentinian player, suffered an injury in the 75th minute.
Contepomi accused Curry of using offensive language and pushing him in the tunnel after the match, which England won 27-23.
The incident that sparked the controversy was a tackle by Curry on Mallia, which Contepomi considered “reckless” and late. This resulted in a penalty against Curry.
He was there and he approached and tried to greet one of our coaches, but we said no because we were upset. It was reckless and he broke our player’s knee.
Felipe Contepomi
The situation became more tense in the tunnel, where Contepomi recounts that Curry told him “f- off” and pushed him. Contepomi lamented Curry’s lack of respect, considering that, after injuring a player, humility and apologies would be expected.
England coach Steve Borthwick said he did not witness the incident, but acknowledged his knowledge of it.Contepomi stated that Mallia’s injury could be an anterior cruciate ligament, although further evaluations were expected.
Borthwick, when asked about the accusation of “bully” towards Curry, defended his character, highlighting his professionalism and respect.
Maro Itoje, for his part, commented that emotions are usually intense after the matches, but highlighted the mutual respect between both teams.
