Simon Zebo slammed on social media following 'mental' post on Enoch Burke arrest
The controversial comment from the Ireland and Munster rugby star's account was deleted shortly after fans described it as "a let down"
![Simon Zebo slammed on social media following 'mental' post on Enoch Burke arrest](https://europe.easybranches.com/uploads/news/2024/09/6758192.jpg)
Ireland and Munster rugby star Simon Zebo has been criticised on social media after a post from his account weighed in on the arrest of teacher Enoch Burke yesterday, describing the latest developments as “mental”.
The comment on X (formerly Twitter) came in response to a post by a far-right, anti-vaccine, anti-transgender account, which had shared video footage of Mr Burke being arrested outside his former place of work.
“Irish police arrest Enoch Burke, the teacher who refuses to endorse and affirm transgender ideology,” it read. Mr Burke has been jailed for a third time for breaching a court order.
A reply from Mr Zebo’s account, which has more than 217,000 followers, remarked: “This is mental.”
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The comment quickly attracted criticism, with a number of fans saying “Cmon Zebo, wise up,” “Ah Simon, what a let down,” and “Ah Zeebs.”
“You will be banging on about the chemtrails in the sky next, Zeebs,” another person wrote, while another pointed out: “Simon, generally love your banter but he’s being arrested for not obeying a court order.”
The post from Mr Zebo’s account was deleted a short time later. The rugby player did not respond to queries from the Irish Mirror, and blocked the X account of the reporter who contacted him.
Munster Rugby also remained silent on the controversy today.
![The comment from Simon Zebo's X account](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article33592738.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Screenshot_20240903_103128_X.jpg)
The account that shared the footage of Mr Burke’s arrest had accompanied the video with a comment that read: “This should seriously shock every single person in the entire Western World – you will all be expected to eventually conform to this mind virus derived ideology.”
It frequently refers to the “woke mind virus” in posts, propagates conspiracy theories, and describes climate change as “a scam”. It also claims governments are using ‘chemtrails’ to block out the sun and poison ecosystems.
The post also brought Mr Burke’s arrest to the attention of controversial former footballer, Joey Barton, who asked: “How have the proud people of the United Kingdom and Ireland allowed this behaviour from elected officials to go unchecked?”
He wrote: “42 years on the planet today. Has it ever been crazier?”
The former Manchester City midfielder is facing a trial next January for allegedly sending malicious communications to football pundit, Eni Aluko, on X. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Mr Zebo, 34, has played 35 times for Ireland, and is Munster’s all-time leading try scorer in the European Champions Cup. He announced in May that he would be retiring from rugby at the end of this season.
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