Super Rugby – New Zealand FA backs Ben O’Keeffe ruling latest victim of harassment
And after the Crusaders won their seventh title on Saturday against the leaders (25-20), New Zealand official Ben O’Keefe protested against the numerous threats he had received on social media. The New Zealand Federation supported him in a press release.
At the end of a game full of twists and turns, The Crusaders ended up defeating the Chiefs, giving them their 14th league title. The discontent of the Chiefs’ fans has been heard since the end of the game’s festivities.
As they took the stage to collect the trophies, match officials Ben O’Keefe, Angus Gardner and Nick Perry were greeted with whistles and insults from the stands. Whistles in response to arbitration judge Ben O’Keefe “punishment” Brad Weber and colleagues.
Union takes sides
In an Instagram post, the New Zealand referee opened up about the many insults and threats he continued to receive: “You are no longer useful,” “Because I don’t meet you on the street, I will cut your throat!” “,” Not planted yet? “…it’s a sad truth I’ve had to get used to better governance, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay for us to come together and fight to make rugby the best game in the world, on and off the ground.”
On Monday, the New Zealand Federation gave its full support to the ruling after its findings. “We support Ben O’Keeffe and all the referees involved in our game. There is no place in our sport for harassment. I encourage everyone in the community to take an active role in combating bullying. Harassment and those behaviors that go against the values of our game” Reads the words written by President Mark Robinson.
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