RWC Final: England great Kevin Pietersen roasted over pro-Springboks tweet

England cricket great Kevin Pietersen has angered swathes of his own fans after taking to social media in the wake of England’s stunning defeat in the Rugby World Cup final.

England's Kevin Pietersen reacts after losing his wicket for 8 runs during the fifth day of the third Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on August 5, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATESRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB

• REPORT: Brutal Boks destroy Eddie’s England dream
• 10 Things We Learned: Japan, refs and the Wobblies

England’s Ashes hero Kevin Pietersen has felt the wrath of the nation’s fans after celebrating South Africa’s stunning World Cup victory.

The South African-born star famously abandoned the Proteas in order to chase a career with England cricket – where he would become one of the modern-day greats.

Pietersen memorably starred as England produced a drought-breaking Ashes win in 2005, and his love for his adopted nation is so strong that he has the three lions tattooed on his left arm.

Missed England v South Africa? Stream the Kayo Mini replay with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

England were shocked in the World Cup final – and their fans were shocked at KP’s reaction. Picture: AP

But when it comes to rugby union, he remains loyal to the Springboks – and he was quick to praise them on Twitter after their famous 32-12 victory on Saturday night.

“What a performance by The Bokke!” Pietersen declared.

“HEART, PASSION & PRIDE! Sometimes that’s all you need to be successful!”

But Pietersen’s heartfelt message fell on deaf ears in some sections, with England’s gutted rugby fans challenging the dynamic batsman’s dual nationality – and split loyalties.

“South African tonight, he?” read one popular response, while others told him to make up his mind and asked for updates on his England cricket tattoo.

South African tonight hey

— Paul Tyson (@paultys18) November 2, 2019

pic.twitter.com/5L4JsmCPd0

— Phil Martin (@sportsthematter) November 2, 2019

What about the lions on the arm you mug!

— Greg Upton (@gregupton9) November 2, 2019

Not all fans attacked the retired star, however.

Dual Nationaity is legal.
I too am British but African so the best team had to win... I support the winner though I love England to bits!

— Sil.K. Kano🇺🇬🇬🇧 (@kanobeer) November 2, 2019