‘You need to check your information because that’s a lie’ – Felipe Contepomi storms out of press conference after heated exchange with South African journalist
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi was upset over a question at the post-match press conference.
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi stormed out of a post-match press conference on Saturday after objecting to an accusation from a South African journalist.
Facing up to the media following their 48-7 loss to the Springboks in Mbombela, Contepomi was irked by a question from the South African reporter and let it be known.
It was put to the Pumas head coach that he approached the referee’s changing room at half-time and was “quite upset” over how the first half of the game had played out.
Denied allegation
Contepomi swiftly shut down the rumour as he flatly denied it took place, firing back at the journalist over where he received the information before the coach walked out.
“Well you heard wrong because I don’t know where the (referee’s) changing room is,” he stated following a disappointing end to their Rugby Championship campaign.
“I didn’t go to the changing room at half-time. I don’t know where you got that but it is a bad thing to say because I never go to the changing room of a ref at half-time.”
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He added on the information: “I’m disappointed that you ask me that question and I would like to know where you take it from. I am asking where you take it from.
The journalist responded by not giving away his source but did state that he had received a message from someone inside the stadium about Contepomi’s alleged visit.
Felipe Contepomi stormed out of the post-match press conference after being asked if he approached the referee at half-time during the match. Not happy… pic.twitter.com/XPVMKwtOY4
— Stephen (@SteviePSport) September 28, 2024
Contepomi did not press further on who it was who had sent the message but did shed light on his professional relationship with the referee and the review process.
“I only talked to the referee after the game. I know Ben O’Keeffe very well and we chat and I sent him the review and we are OK in terms of interchanging,” he said.
“That’s a lie”
The Pumas head coach then ended the press conference with a stinging attack on the journalist and warned him that he needs to check his information in future.
“I’m surprised that you got the bad information,” he continued.
“You need to be careful because you’re a reporter. You need to check your information because that’s a lie.
“Sorry, for me, it’s last question. We’re finished. Thank you.”
