Comment: Is the abusive attitude of footballs fans seeping into rugby?

Referee Nigel Owens
It seems that the attitude and the way fans treat players, referees, and their opposing supporters is drastically different to what one might think initially when the general etiquette comes to mind; ‘A barbarian’s game played by gentlemen’ or the rule of respect that is taught globally from as young as mini’s rugby, right up to the International Stage.

So when a number of stories crop up around the rugby world of abusive hecklers in the stands and claims of referee Nigel Owens suffering homophobic abuse from supporters, this level of “respect” becomes seriously questioned.

Take, for instance, last weeks game in Millenium stadium between Wales and Australia. Warren Gatland’s decision to send on Rhys Priestland to relieve an injured Dan Biggar with only 47 minutes played was met with a wave of boos reverberating around the stadium from the Welsh crowd. A rather worrying sight from a nation who adores its’ number ten position.

Elsewhere, at Twickenham, there were more worrying signs of a fanbase who have lost their morals. Allegations of homophobic abuse being directed at openly homesexual referee Nigel Owens has been met with uproar from many rugby enthusiasts……… see more at :- http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/comment-is-the-abusive-attitude-of-footballs-fans-seeping-into-rugby-30745207.html