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“I feel sorry for all those who were offended by the atrocities I wrote. At that moment I never imagined who I was going to become. Today I have to admit what I said nine years ago.
“I also apologize to my family and my team for what they are going through because of my actions and thanks to the people who love me for their support.”
Matera, a 27-year-old winger, and veteran bolt Petti were in the starting 15 in Argentina’s 38-0 loss to New Zealand in the Three Nations game in Newcastle on Saturday, with hooker Socino in the reserves.
Just a few weeks ago, Matera was the toast of the rugby world to his brilliant performance by leading his team to a 25-15 victory over the All Blacks in Sydney, Argentina’s first victory over the New Zealanders. However, his Three Nations campaign has quickly gone downhill.
Following Saturday’s loss, Matera apologized to fans in a video posted on the Pumas Twitter account after the players were criticized for not doing enough to pay tribute to soccer icon Diego Maradona, who passed away in the last week.
Matera’s discriminatory posts later resurfaced on Twitter in response to that apology. A team spokesman said the Pumas had canceled all media activities on Tuesday and referred Reuters to the UAR statement.
Wallabies mainstay Allan Alaalatoa told reporters that Matera’s absence would be a huge blow to the Pumas.
“For Pablo to be their captain is going to be a great loss, I’m sure,” he said.
“We are not very clear what will happen on their part.”
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