After the controversy against the Blues, the referee criticized O'Keeffe and Boks against England and South Africa

A very hostile welcome at the Stade de France… At the center of controversy after his controversial decisions during the quarter-final match that France lost to South Africa, New Zealand referee Ben O'Keefe was subjected to whistles and boos, this Saturday, before the second semi-final match of the Rugby World Cup between… The English and the same Springboks. When he entered the field with his assistants, he booed the New Zealand team for a long time, even though the stands were still far from full.

When the announcer announced the lineups, the Springboks were booed very loudly, unlike the English who escaped with retaliation. The award for whistles and screams goes to Eben Itzepath, Chilen Kolbe and Faf de Klerk, three players at the center of the controversy. But it ended up being nothing until Ben O'Keefe's name was announced. The New Zealand referee was booed heavily. Shortly after the match started, the crowd started chanting: “Go to the blues, go to the blues!”

“The arbitration was not up to the task of such an event.”

After the quarter-final match last Sunday, French national team captain Antoine Dupont did not hide his dissatisfaction with the decisions taken by the Kiwis. “Even if I don't want to feel bitter after a defeat, I must admit that the refereeing was not up to the task of such an event, He was cut off. There are decisions that may surprise you. But this observation in no way detracts from the merits of our opponent, who played a wonderful match, and we must congratulate him for that.»

For his part, the whistleblower spoke on New Zealand television about this episode and the electronic harassment he has since fallen victim to on social media. “It's obviously a very emotional time (for the 15th of France), Ben O'Keefe announced into the microphone Newshub. I just try to respect that and give them time. Players and coaches will say things whether you win or lose. I know that we are never perfect as referees, you will certainly make mistakes in the match, and the players have the right to comment on that after the match.»

See also – Kingsley Coman's beautiful goal in the match between France and Scotland on October 17 (4-1)