Check out the moment the football coach is arrested in front of a hot microphone, hitting a reporter with an unprintable one-word insult after being called out on his team’s shocking record.
- Crusaders coach lashes out at journalist in foul speech
- The journalist had asked about his team’s poor form
- Coach’s mic was still on when he used profanity
Crusaders coach Rob Penney was arrested while addressing a reporter after answering tough questions ahead of his team’s Super Ruby Pacific showdown against the Blues.
Under fire, Penney has presided over a shocking season so far, with the New Zealand-based side winning just two of their 12 matches and sitting third in the table.
Things got worse for him on Wednesday when he answered tough questions about his team’s poor form at a press conference.
Penney was interviewed by 1News reporter Thomas Mead, who asked about his future as a coach and what kind of feedback he received from players.
Under-fire Crusaders coach Rob Penney lashed out at a reporter in a profanity-laced speech, unaware his voice was still being picked up by a microphone.
Penney’s Crusaders are in for a horrible 2024 rugby season, raising tough questions that have left their coach furious
“I get feedback every minute of every day. These are personal conversations that I am not ready to share with you,” he said.
When asked if the team’s players still supported him, he added: “I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t.”
After the media session, Penney was clearly frustrated by the line of questioning and he launched a tirade at Crusaders communications and media manager Jack Fletcher, unaware that his voice was still being picked up by his microphone.
“It’s a shame, that bastard,” Penney said. ‘Who is he?’
Fletcher tried to defuse the situation and could be heard telling an excited Penney that he would talk to him about the matter later – but Penney replied: “No, talk to me now.”
The Crusaders’ shocking record this year means they almost certainly won’t make the playoffs.
Penney’s winning percentage as a coach is very low and questions will undoubtedly be asked about his future with the team.
The Crusaders’ record this season means they almost certainly won’t make the playoffs.
Crusaders fans may have more questions about Penney’s job at the end of the season as the team battles for second-to-last place (pictured, Crusaders star Leigh Halfpenny reacts after a recent defeat)
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge, however, defended Penney and said he would retain his job at the end of the season.
He also criticized the media for asking questions about the coach’s future in the position, calling their demands “childish.”
