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Wing Pablo Matera led Argentina to a famous victory over the All Blacks in Sydney last month.
Pumas star rugby player Pablo Matera has been stripped of the Argentine national team captaincy, following xenophobic text messages he allegedly sent between 2011 and 2013.
Matera had apologized earlier Tuesday after the texts, allegedly related to comments about Bolivians and blacks, resurfaced on social media.
The Argentine Rugby Union issued a statement saying it had decided to strip Matera of the captaincy.
Sky sport
The All Blacks have cleaned the floor with Argentina, almost guaranteeing New Zealand’s victory in the Tri Nations.
“The Argentine Rugby Union strongly repudiates the discriminatory and xenophobic comments posted by members of the Los Pumas team on social media and gathered urgently, the Board of Directors resolves: First, revoke the captaincy of Pablo Matera and request the template that proposes a new captain of the Board of Directors “.
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He has also suspended Matera, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino from the national team until they face disciplinary measures. Petti and Socino are also accused of discriminatory texts.
Although the messages were expressed between 2011 and 2013 and do not represent the integrity as people that the three showed during this time in Los Pumas, from the Argentine Rugby Union we condemn any expression of hatred and consider it unacceptable that those who express them represent our country, ”the union said in a statement.
The trio will face charges before the union’s disciplinary commission.
Matera apologized earlier. “I had a more difficult time. I am very embarrassed. Apologies to all those who were offended by the atrocities I wrote, ”Matera said via Instagram.
“At that moment I did not imagine who I was going to become. Today I have to take responsibility for what I said 9 years ago.
“I am also sorry to my team and my family for the time they are going through my actions and thanks to the people who love me for their support.”
The 27-year-old winger led the Pumas to a historic 25-15 victory over the All Blacks in Sydney last month, but they were defeated 38-0 in Newcastle on Saturday night.
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All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett is crushed in an inning by Pumas captain Pablo Matera.
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Matera issued another apology on Tuesday after the Pumas were criticized for failing to pay tribute to Diego Maradona following the death of the legendary Argentine soccer player.
The All Blacks earned international acclaim for paying tribute to Maradona during his pre-game haka.
Matera’s allegedly discriminatory posts on social media may have resurfaced as a result of the fallout.
