Investigation Launched into Alleged Death Threats Against Rugby World Cup Referees

World Rugby has submitted multiple complaints after reports of severe online abuse on match referees broke out. The Rugby World Cup finished last year in October with South Africa getting crowned champions for the fourth time. Playing them in the finals was New Zealand and according to the reports, the complaints are against people from New Zealand.

The alarming finding has forced New Zealand to kickstart an extensive search for the people responsible for the death threats. This comes on the back of a scathing report prepared by World Rugby that showed just how horrible it was during the otherwise successful tournament.

World Rugby highlights the pressing issue of online abuse

The findings of the report revealed that in all, eight match referees and 49 players were subject to some form of online abuse, either during or after the tournament. People from various countries like Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa, and the United Kingdom are part of the group responsible for the heinous act.

Out of those, 21 social media accounts originated from New Zealand and acting director of the National Criminal Investigations Group, Detective Inspector Stuart Mills assured everyone that they will leave no stone unturned in nabbing them. They have breached the Harmful Digital Communications Act and committed the offense of threatening to kill.

“The complaints relate to alleged breaches of the Harmful Digital Communications Act and threatening to kill,” said Mills.

A forensic research analyst is working closely with the police authorities of the various countries to prosecute the accused. They were able to nab a man from Australia who is due to appear in the court soon.

Authorities speed up proceedings

Out of the eight rugby officials who faced online abuse, an official of the final match, Wayne Barnes spoke about the toll it takes on them. After a career high moment of officiating in the thrilling final that finished with a scoreline of 12-11, Barnes hung up his boots. He boiled it down to the ton of social media abuse and threats both he and his family received.

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Fellow official Tom Foley also decided to step away from the international circuit after the string of online abuse, said Barnes.

Speaking to the media about the entire fiasco, World Rugby Chief Executive had some powerful words to say, “The rise of online hate in society and sport is worrying and totally unacceptable and we will continue to do everything possible to protect and support our international match officials and their families by bringing abusers to justice.”

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