South Africa win the 2023 Rugby World Cup
Wayne Barnes’ wife has revealed that the Rugby World Cup final referee was subjected to death threats after South Africa’s 12-11 victory over New Zealand in Paris. The official handed out the first-ever red card in a men’s final to All Blacks captain Sam Cane, while yellows were also brandished to Shannon Frizell and Cheslin Kolbe.
Those supporting New Zealand especially felt that the red card was harsh, as Cane was given his marching orders for a head collision that was reviewed and upgraded to red. When Barnes and his assistants were handed their medals by World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont, they were booed and whistled for a considerable amount of time until they left the stage at the Stade de France.
Those detractors were not just inside the stadium either, as Barnes’ wife Polly took aim at those on social media who abused her husband. Writing on social media after the final, she said: “What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k***heads,” while also adding: “See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”
Polly Barnes, Women’s Rugby Association’s co-founder, detailed the abuse that Wayne has received on Instagram and via an email address that had been set up for professional enquiries.
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Wayne Barnes is one of rugby’s most experienced and respected referees, with many also feeling that he got the big decisions correct despite complaints. It was, however, not the first time that the Englishman has faced such significant backlash after taking charge of a game involving South Africa.
Last year he oversaw France’s 30-26 win over the Springboks but South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus posted a series of video clips on Twitter after the match, appearing to highlight decisions that went against his side.
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Erasmus was given a suspension by World Rugby but Barnes opened up on the abuse he received which forced him to report two perpetrators to the police. “Criticism on social media quickly becomes abuse,” Barnes told The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast.
“That is the world we live in. That is social media. But I make the decision to be a referee, make the decision to be on social media. Polly, my wife, doesn’t make the decision to be a referee.
“On the Saturday night, there started to be some direct abuse at Polly. Then, the following two or three days, there was direct abuse to Polly, threats of sexual violence and threats against the kids. That takes it to a different level. When you’ve done 100 games, you think you can prepare for most things. You can’t prepare for that.”
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