World Rugby wants to take action against fans who insulted referees during the Rugby World Cup.
This is the latest move by governing bodies to find ways to reduce the number of threatening messages referees receive after high-profile matches and tournaments.
According to the Telegraph, World Rugby has provided evidence to law enforcement and government authorities that could ultimately lead to a conviction.
Abuse taking over
The newspaper reported that 200 incidents were being investigated in seven countries amid concerns that online abuse of match officials was on the rise.
It has been revealed that Wayne Barnes, who refereed the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, received death threats after the match.
His wife Polly wrote on social media after the game: It’s just a game, you idiots.
See you again at the Rugby World Cup, I won’t let you and the death threats pass.
The match took place almost 12 months after Rassie Erasmus criticized England’s referees after the Springboks lost to France on their year-end tour.
Later, the England referee’s family was threatened by South African fans and he was almost forced to resign.
However, Burns continued and eventually retired from refereeing at the end of the World Cup.
He plans to devote some of his time to supporting younger generations of officials, including in the fight against abuse.
Concerns about leaks
World Rugby is also concerned that leaks revealed after some World Cup matches are hampering attempts to protect match officials.
For example, after the quarter-final match between France and South Africa, French media revealed details of Ben O’Keeffe’s performance review, which highlighted five mistakes.
And on Tuesday, New Zealand website Stuff claimed that the governing body had “informally admitted” that the TMO’s intervention in Aaron Smith’s attempt in the World Cup final was a mistake.
Smith’s score was canceled after Ardie Savea’s attack, but more than two phases had passed since the backs lost their forwards, meaning the try should have been legally awarded.
“Leaks of comments or blatant criticism about performances can have serious consequences, especially for match officials,” a source told the Telegraph.
