Ben Chilwell has been chastised for participating in a “tiger tug” while on vacation with video of the incident going viral
Animal rights activists have chastised Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell after he and a group of friends engaged in a tug of war with a tiger.
Chelsea Defender Ben Chilwell Partakes In Tug Of War With A Tiger, Video Goes Viral
Chilwell’s actions were caught on camera just months after his former Blues teammate Kurt Zouma was caught on camera kicking his cat. The conduct of West Ham defender Zouma and his brother Yoan, who plays for Dagenham & Redbridge, have drawn considerable condemnation.
Ben Chilwell has been challenged by animal welfare chiefs over a tug-of-war challenge with a tiger
[@TheSun] pic.twitter.com/EYdgJxZnXv
— That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) March 27, 2022
The Bigger Picture
The Sun obtained film of Chilwell’s tug of war, which was purportedly part of a “tiger tug” – an event given by an American amusement park. Despite the fact that it was a planned event, some have highlighted to the England international’s lack of respect for the animal.
Chilwell had been rehabilitating from an injury in Florida during the international break. Before the turn of the year, the 25-year-old had a knee ailment, and Chelsea announced in December that he would miss the second half of the season due to ACL surgery.
RSPCA Condemning The Incident
Meanwhile, the RSPCA has condemned the alleged incident in which Chilwell is suspected of participating. The group stated that they do not believe that practise promotes respect for those wild animals. Animal harming should not be sold for public amusement.
Zoos frequently say that their mission is to educate the public and have a beneficial impact on visitor behaviour in ways that promote conservation. While they appreciate that zoos who do this believe that a ‘tug-of-war’ provides physical enrichment for large cats. There are many other options, the organisation said in a statement.
Social Media Bashing Chilwell And The Zoo
While some fans have chastised Chilwell for his conduct on social media. Meanwhile, others have slammed the venue for hosting the event. “If the tiger is being harmed, it’s not by Ben Chilwell,” one person wrote. While another said, “Challenge the zoo, not the footballer.”
Chilwell, who joined the Blues from Leicester City in 2020, was a member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020. However, he did not play any game. He was sad that he wasn’t participating in such a large competition in England. He would be lying if he claimed that wasn’t disappointed, He added.
Chelsea announced in December that he would be out for the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery. Prior to his injury, he had four goals for club and country. However, he has not played since the Blues’ Champions League group stage win against Juventus in November.
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