Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has responded to criticism of him giving a thumbs up to the crowd – which was mistaken for trolling his critics – after South Africa beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The host country lost 24-13 to its rugby rivals.
RASSIE ERASMUS SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON THUMBS UP VIDEO
After the final whistle blew, a TV camera cut to Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who was seated in the staff box in the stands.
Sporting an animated face, the 53-year-old gleefully showed two thumbs up to fans seated in the stadium before making his way out.
Speaking in a media conference after the match, Rassie responded to criticism about his gesture. He denied that it was directed towards Ireland rugby supporters.
He said, “There were South African fans sitting in front of us, who said thank you, and I said thank you back to them.”
He later repeated his actions in an X post.
IRISH FANS ARE NOT HAPPY
Before clarifying his actions, Rassie Erasmus was harshly condemned by critics, particularly Irish rugby fans.
“Serious lack of class and kinda nasty”, posted @orlaithblaney.
“Rassie acting the twat at the end”, added @patmccarry.
@TightFive_Rugby shared: “He’s a rugby genius, probably the greatest coach ever, but the man is really insufferable sometimes. But I think to be on that level of genius, you’ve got to have some arrogance about you”.
