England Rugby: "Yesterday we lost to Wales who deserved their victory. Unfortunately, some of the reaction on social media to players and the team has not shown the level of respect the rugby community prides itself on. We will support our players and team against online abuse"
Monday 1 March 2021 16:14, UK
England Rugby has condemned social media abuse directed at its players in the wake of the Six Nations defeat to Wales in Cardiff, which include death threats aimed at prop Ellis Genge.
Genge revealed he had been subjected to online abuse after footage surfaced of him apparently neglecting to clap the victorious Welsh players off the pitch following Saturday's match.
Genge wrote: "Don't know why I'm not clapping in that tunnel, must be deep in thought - utmost respect for the Welsh, as for keyboard warriors sending death threats etc..."
England Rugby issued a statement in which it urged "true rugby fans" to resist and reject such incidences of abuse.
The statement read: "Respect is a core value of rugby. Yesterday we lost to Wales who deserved their victory.
"Unfortunately, some of the reaction on social media to players and the team has not shown the level of respect the rugby community prides itself on.
"We will support our players and team against online abuse and hope true rugby fans will stand with us."
The Welsh RU also condemned the abuse in a statement posted on Twitter which read: "We are hugely disappointed and saddened at the social media abuse directed at opposition players and members of the media following the game at the weekend.
"As a rugby community, these individuals have let us all down. This has to stop. It is not acceptable."
Earlier, England Rugby had sent its support to BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan after she described how she had been reduced to tears after criticism of her post-match interviews.
Also on Twitter, England Rugby wrote: "Abuse for doing your job is not OK and we stand with you.
"We will see you for the next one. Hold your head high and know you have our support."
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