Wayne Barnes, a former Test referee, is hopeful that the relevant authorities will soon be able to deal with trolls who harass people on social media.
Following the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and the Springboks, Barnes received death threats, according to his wife Polly.
South Africa won their fourth World Cup title with a narrow 12-11 victory, but because of the close result, every call was scrutinized.
After that defeat, the 44-year-old received nasty letters from New Zealand supporters, and a few days later, he announced his retirement from officiating.
Barnes told BBC Sport, “People who threaten your wife and children should be held accountable and punished.”
Why should you be allowed to participate in the rugby family if you’re a supporter of your neighborhood rugby team and you’re threatening and sending hateful messages to people’s families?
“When that abuse affects my family is the part I’ve always struggled with and will continue to fight with.
“I want legislation addressing what social media sites can do to prevent it, I want prosecuting agencies to think about ways to do that, and I also want governing bodies to think about what they can do.”
Barnes hopes to help the upcoming generation of referees who might be facing similar issues after he retires.
He wants to address the threats that authorities of matches face online in an effort to at least lessen the amount of horrifying texts they get.
Not an exception
“Sexual violence threats and declarations that we are aware of your residence. It goes beyond that point, Barnes continued.
“Social media is becoming worse, which is the unfortunate part about the sport right now. It hasn’t happened just once.
“There are several reasons why I use social media. “I make that choice, and with that choice comes the ability for people to send messages of hate and violence.” This is one way I want to humanize officiating while also promoting the humanitarian work I do.
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