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At the heart of the storm after his contentious decisions during the quarter-final of the Blues, the man with the New Zealand whistle and the South Africans were booed by the public at the Stade de France before the second semi-final of the World Cup.
A most hostile welcome at the Stade de France… At the heart of the controversy after his contentious decisions during the quarter-final lost by France against South Africa, New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe was copiously whistled and booed, this Saturday, before the second semi-final of the Rugby World Cup between the English and these same Springboks. When he entered the pitch with his assistants, the Kiwi was booed for a long time, even though the stands were still far from full.
When the announcer announced the composition of the teams, the Springboks were all booed, very loudly, unlike the English, who were spared the vindictiveness. The prize for whistles and shouts goes to Eben Etzebath, Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk, three players at the heart of the controversy. But it ended up being nothing until Ben O’Keeffe’s name was announced. The New Zealand referee was heavily whistled and booed. And, shortly after the match kicked off, the public began chanting: “Go Blues, go Blues!”
“The refereeing was not up to the task of such an event”
Hot after last Sunday’s quarter-final, French captain Antoine Dupont did not hide his exasperation at the decisions taken by the Kiwi. “Even if I don’t want to be bitter after a defeat, it must be recognized that the refereeing was not up to the task of such an event, he had snapped. There are decisions that may surprise you. But this observation in no way detracts from the merits of our opponent who played a superb match, we must congratulate him for that.»
The man with the whistle, for his part, spoke on New Zealand television about this episode and the cyberharassment of which he has since been the victim on social networks. “It’s obviously a very emotional time (for the XV of France), declared Ben O’Keeffe at the microphone of Newshub. I just try to respect that and give them time. Players and coaches are going to say things whether you win or lose. I know we are never perfect as referees, you definitely make mistakes in the game. The players have the right to comment on that after the match.»