New Zealand Police (NZP) have initiated an investigation into alleged death threats and online abuse directed towards referees during last year’s Rugby World Cup. On Friday, NZP Detective Inspector Stuart Mills disclosed that three complaints had been lodged by World Rugby, the governing body, concerning death threats against match officials purportedly originating from New Zealand.
Mills stated to New Zealand media, “The complaints relate to alleged breaches of the Harmful Digital Communications Act and threatening to kill.”
World Rugby, in a recent statement, revealed that there were “successful charges and law enforcement cases pending in multiple jurisdictions” in response to the online abuse faced by match officials and players. Expressing concern over the surge of online hate, World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin emphasized the organization’s commitment to protecting and supporting international match officials and their families by ensuring that those responsible for the abuse are brought to justice.
Following the World Cup final in October, Wayne Barnes, who officiated the match, announced his retirement from refereeing just days after the game in Paris. Barnes disclosed the abuse he and his family endured in the aftermath of the match, shedding light on the disturbing trend of online harassment faced by referees.
English referee Tom Foley, who served as the Television Match Official during the final where South Africa narrowly defeated New Zealand 12-11, announced his decision to step away from international officiating in December. He attributed online abuse as a significant factor influencing his choice, underscoring the pervasive issue of abuse targeting those involved in the sport.
The investigation by New Zealand Police highlights the severity of the situation, with law enforcement now actively involved in addressing the alleged offenses. As the rugby community grapples with the repercussions of online abuse, efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of match officials become increasingly crucial, reinforcing the commitment of both World Rugby and national authorities to combatting this unacceptable behavior.
