Eben Etzebeth Slams Springbok Fans Who Have Been Harassing Their Partners

Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has spoken out against angry Springbok supporters after their humiliating 57-0 defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday.

Etzebeth, who is the current stand-in captain for the Boks, says fans have been targeting the players’ wives and girlfriends in the wake of the shock defeat. The towering lock said some of their partners had received ‘nasty messages.’

He says he can understand people are upset with the players, but that it was unfair to drag their partners into it.

“I can understand people being upset with us. They’re allowed to be, but keep our families out of it,” Etzebeth told Netwerk24.com.

“There are some terrible people out there, saying some nasty things to our wives and girlfriends, and that’s not nice to hear.”

The 25-year-old said the team did receive a warm welcome at the airport, but they also received plenty of backlash from the general public.

“There are still a few people that wanted to take pictures with us and that applauded us when we got home. But, yes, there were plenty of people that were extremely negative. We understand that, but we always give our all on the pitch.”