South African Man Acquitted in Ugo Monye Racial Slur Case

A South African man accused of using a racial slur near former England rugby player Ugo Monye was found not guilty of a public order offence by a UK court.

Angus Beukes, 32, was charged after an incident at Exeter’s Sandy Park Stadium following a Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester on November 19, 2023. Monye, who was working as a commentator, claimed he heard a man with a South African accent repeatedly use the slur, leaving him “extremely shocked.”

Beukes, a mechanic who appeared in court via video link from South Africa, denied the charge of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress. He insisted he was speaking to a South African friend and argued that the word in question was not offensive in their home country.

https://t.co/pa4Dvjk7RQ
Fancy correcting your incorrect coverage of the Exeter/ Ugo situation?

— Sam (@Sam345665387962) March 7, 2025

Exeter Magistrates’ Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove Beukes intended to be offensive or knew the word was unacceptable in Britain.

Presiding justice Paul Doyle stated that while multiple witnesses confirmed hearing the word, it was reportedly directed at Beukes’ friend rather than Monye. He emphasized that Beukes had only been in the UK for six months, and the prosecution did not demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that he was aware of the word’s offensiveness in UK culture.

“As these elements have not been fully proved to a satisfactory standard, we find you not guilty of the offence,” Doyle ruled.

Monye previously expressed frustration over the incident, criticizing the lack of response from those who witnessed it. Exeter Rugby Club issued a public apology to him following the match.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirm they are investigating accusations of racist abuse aimed at Ugo Monye following a Premiership Rugby match between Exeter and Gloucester. pic.twitter.com/eFnDIeK9xP

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 21, 2023

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