{"id":295355,"date":"2023-10-30T00:39:30","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T00:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tellmysport.com\/?p=295355"},"modified":"2023-10-30T00:39:30","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T00:39:30","slug":"rugby-world-cup-final-ref-barnes-gets-death-threats-as-wife-calls-out-abusers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellmysport.com\/rugby-league\/rugby-world-cup-final-ref-barnes-gets-death-threats-as-wife-calls-out-abusers\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby World Cup final ref Barnes gets death threats as wife calls out abusers"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Africa win the 2023 Rugby World Cup<\/h3>\n

Wayne Barnes\u2019 wife has revealed that the Rugby World Cup final referee was subjected to death threats after South Africa\u2019s 12-11 victory over New Zealand in Paris. The official handed out the first-ever red card in a men\u2019s final to All Blacks captain Sam Cane, while yellows were also brandished to Shannon Frizell and Cheslin Kolbe.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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: \u201cWhat a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It\u2019s just a game k***heads,\u201d while also adding: \u201cSee ya later Rugby World Cup. Won\u2019t miss you, or the death threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

Polly Barnes, Women\u2019s Rugby Association\u2019s co-founder, detailed the abuse that Wayne has received on Instagram and via an email address that had been set up for professional enquiries.<\/p>\n

JUST IN <\/strong> Rugby World Cup ref targeted by New Zealand legend after controversy in final[REACTION] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Wayne Barnes is one of rugby\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Last year he oversaw France\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n