Demands For Zungu To Apologise Sparks Heated Debate | Soccer Laduma

19 Oct 2023

Junaid Benjamin

Fans and spectators have called for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu to issue a public apology.

@iDiskiTimes

Fans have not been shy to react to the incident involving Bongani Zungu and Bernard Parker and have fiercely debated whether or not the former must issue a public apology.

The heated discussions were sparked by Zungu's reaction after a potential career-ending challenge on Parker during TS Galaxy's victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup on Wednesday night.

Read: WOW! Maestro Makaringe’s High-Level Skills On Display

After the game ended on level terms at 2-2, TS Galaxy secured their spot in the next round of the tournament when they won the penalty shootout 5-4.

Oh no! ????
Bongani Zungu's brutal tackle on Bernard Parker.
Sending well wishes to Bernard Parker for a speedy recovery. ??
Bongani Zungu's should be ban from all football leagues.#Zungu #BernardParker #football pic.twitter.com/MVbiZc3zsC
— Raymond.ETH (@Ray_mondETH) October 19, 2023

However, much of the post-match discussions were centred around Zungu's reaction to seeing a red card after his horrific challenge on Parker.

Through social media, fans expressed their outrage toward the Masandawana midfielder's reaction, with some calling for him to issue a public apology and others saying an apology would be void if he doesn't "really mean it".

One fan suggested that the statement would mean nothing because an athlete cannot be a "villain on the field" then "show sportsmanship on statements".

Bongani Zungu must come out with a statement of apology to the football fraternity and also to the Parker family for what he did… I honestly believe he didn’t mean to do that and the reaction he had towards the action wasn’t proper as well.

He must be professional and… pic.twitter.com/l3tsmYuGmK
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) October 19, 2023

What’s the point of forcing someone to issue statements when you know they don’t really mean it, i don’t really get the obsession with statements especially when one is forced to issue it. If the apology was issued immediately then I would understand but look at the duration.

@thato_stalion

The statement it’s for these negative comments towards Zungu as if he did it intentionally… secondly the statement it’s for apology to those who care about Parker… lastly the statement it’s called Sportsmanship so that we can be aware that there’s love not hate cause sports it’s the winner at the end of the day. It’s called Ubuntu bafo!

@Cellular_jnr

But nothing suggests the tackle wasn’t intentional,his reaction supports the suggestions that it was intentional. Sportsmanship matters most on the field,you can’t be villain on the field then show sportsmanship on statements.

@thato_stalion

Yes, he didn't mean to do that. But the fact that he did not show any remorse pisses me off. He was supposed to apologize immediately after realizing that he broke his leg, but he continued to complain that he did not do anything and the ref was unfair to him.

@galtbro

At this point, bru his statement, it won't matter... He failed to show remose yesterday

@TiisetxoSetso

The reaction paints a different picture stop defending such behaviour

@le_awty

Dillon Shepherd was broken by James Motale. Y'all didn't demand a statement of apology. The man called Dillon three times in the same day. Zungu probably communicated with Parker last night already. And he won't do it for social media.

@bigkoostar

Zungu doesn't owe the public an apology he will only apologise to Parker then life moves on.

@tumeloditle

Part of the reasons why Zungu didn't make it in Europe is his ego. He has the talent but as a Person i don't think he carries himself well. You swear in front of a referee that you didn't do anything wrong even when you see a broken leg what is that?

@ThommyTee

Bongani an Parker were both at high speed during that collision, it was a honest mistake from dude, ppl just want to plant seeds because of jealously towards him and the club...an apology, I'm sure he did but he owes us nothing, football is a sport and these things happen.

@way_eazy

What do you think? Was the challenge intentional? Was his reaction after seeing a red card unjustifiable? Should Zungu offer a public apology? Join the debate in the comments below!

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