World Rugby Takes Action Against Extreme Online Abuse of Referees

World Rugby Takes Action Against Extreme Online Abuse of Referees

World Rugby has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming the first sports governing body to address the issue of extreme online abuse targeted at referees. In response to the alarming rise in abusive behavior, World Rugby has referred more than 200 reported incidents from seven different countries to law enforcement and relevant government agencies, potentially leading to criminal prosecutions.

This decisive action follows the appalling abuse suffered by referee Wayne Barnes, who allegedly received death threats after his performance in the World Cup final between the All Blacks and the Springboks. New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe has also been vocal about the abuse he has endured on social media.

During the tournament held in France, World Rugby collaborated with Signify Group, a third-party data science and artificial intelligence firm, to identify innovative methods to combat online hate speech. Signify monitored a total of 571 players and 22 match officials across various platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, in 35 different languages, including the interpretation of emojis.

In the coming weeks, the findings from World Rugby’s investigations are set to be released, shedding further light on the severity of the problem.

Following the final match of his career, Wayne Barnes expressed his commitment to advocating for referees and working closely with the International Rugby Match Officials association to establish a collective voice. He emphasized the need for a robust support network to protect match officials and their families. Barnes added that online abuse and threats have unfortunately become a frequent occurrence for those involved in the game.

While other sports bodies, such as World Athletics and the Premier League, have also highlighted their intentions to address online abuse, World Rugby’s potential for criminal convictions in this area would be unprecedented.

The move by World Rugby demonstrates its determination to safeguard referees and address the growing concern of online abuse, setting a precedent for other sports governing bodies to follow suit. By taking proactive measures, World Rugby aims to ensure a safe and respectful environment for match officials worldwide.

In a digital age where social media has provided a platform for abuse and hate speech, it is crucial to protect the integrity of the game and prioritize the mental well-being of those involved. World Rugby’s actions send a clear message that online abuse will not be tolerated, marking a significant step toward eradicating this toxic behavior from the world of sports.