VIDEO: England stars 'are sore losers'
REACTION: A few England players were in no mood to celebrate as they quickly removed their runners-up medals after their defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final.
Eddie Jones’ side were overwhelmed by South Africa 32-12 in Yokohama in a game where they were bullied up front.
It was England’s third defeat in a final after also losing the 1991 and 2007 title matches. Their only victory came back in 2003, when Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal sealed an extra-time win over Australia in Sydney.
The England team will understandably be bitterly disappointed after being tipped as favourites by many, however many people do not think that justifies how they acted after.
Maro Itoje declined to have his medal put around his neck after shaking hands with World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.
While prop Kyle Sinckler, who was replaced just minutes into the game due to being knocked unconscious, allowed Beaumont to place the silver medal around his neck before taking it off straight away.
Despite their massive dissatisfaction with coming second, fans on social media do not think that excuses them from refusing to wear their silver medals and have described it as an act of poor sportsmanship.
Some fans have highlighted how the All Blacks reacted on Friday after receiving their bronze medals and have said that that is the example to follow, branding England as “sore losers”.
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Of course, the bronze final was slightly different as, although they had come third, the All Blacks had just won their game against Wales.
But many fans have emphasised that England still came second in the tournament, which is impressive in itself.
England having a temper tantrum refusing to wear their medals. Pathetic #RWCFinal
— CrimeGirl (@CrimeGirI) November 2, 2019
Memo to England players – sneering, sulking and taking your medals off like petulant toddlers is not a good look. Be gracious in defeat and proud of what you did achieve. Don’t be unsportsmanlike bellends. The best team on the day won. #ENGvSA #RWCFinal
— Georgia Lewis (@georgialewis76) November 2, 2019
Taking your silver medals off is very unsportsmanlike, England players. #RWCFinal
— Joe C (@Joe_C_London) November 2, 2019
England could learn some lessons from the All Blacks bronze medal procession – celebrating achivement. @englishrugby taking off the silver medals & refusing to wear them is really bad form. #SouthAfrica were the best team today. Fantastic stuff from them 👏#RWC2019 #ENGvRSA https://t.co/CvQs6uUF3J
— Siobhan Connolly (@SCClinicalEd) November 2, 2019
Why did all the England players take their medals off? Am I missing something or are they sore losers??? #RWCFinal
— rachel (@racheldoodle) November 2, 2019
Source: Rugbypass & WalesOnline
Video credit: beIN SPORTS Asia