Bernard Parker: Rulani Mokwena Upset With Fans Over Personal Attacks on Bongani Zungu

• Bernard Parker was injured by Bongani Zungu in TS Galaxy's Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 win
• Bongani Zungu was the subject of much discussion in the aftermath with fans angry at Zungu
• Rulani Mokwena claimed that the reaction on social media was disappointing and out of order

Fans online can often be accused of taking the man without the ball.

As Bernard Parker begins his road to recovery, Rulani Mokwena has come to the defence of his midfielder, lamenting the 'personal attacks' on Bongani Zungu.

Zungu has apologised to Parker and the Rockets' attacker has had successful surgery to mend his damaged leg.

Mokwena said he did not condone the tackle but fans must take into account the speed of the game and the fact that football is still a contact sport.

The Mamelodi Sundowns boss relayed how the incident has affected Zungo, who has been in a dejected mood in training. Referring to Zungu, KickOff quoted Mokwena as saying:

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"I know 100% he is not a malicious person. He is not a player that could go out and intentionally harm and maybe even compromise the career of another footballer because he has experienced something similar."

What irked fans was Zungu's reaction in the immediate aftermath of the challenge. Zungu was seen protesting with the referee instead of checking on the well-being of his opponent.

Television cameras then followed Zungu down the tunnel where he was seen to be continuing his protest at receiving a straight red card.

Reiterating that football came with inherent risks and that Sundowns, as an organisation, have sent their well-wished to Parker, Goal quoted Mokwena, who said:

"What did disappoint me was how people, I think, went even on a personal attack to Zungu and I thought that was a little bit unfair."

Bongani Zungu apologises

Sports Brief previously reported on Bongani Zungu's efforts to apologise to the TS Galaxy player.

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TS Galaxy chairman, Tim Sukazi, confirmed that Zungu reached out to Parker via a text message.

Parker would later post an injury and surgery update on his Instagram page to show he was mending.