Rugby World Cup final TMO steps away due to online abuse،
The TV official for the Rugby World Cup final pulled out of the international match “for the foreseeable future” on Monday, blaming a “torrent of online criticism and abuse”.
England official Tom Foley initiated a series of important decisions during New Zealand's title match with South Africa in October in Paris, including recommending a red card to All Blacks captain Sam Cane, in the first half. The Springboks won 12-11.
Since the World Cup final, the match's referee, England's Wayne Barnes, has announced his planned retirement while expressing concerns about the abuse he and his family have suffered on social media for years.
Last week, England captain Owen Farrell said he was temporarily stepping away from Test rugby to “prioritize his and his family's mental wellbeing”, according to his club Saracens.
Foley has been a referee for 13 years, including seven years in international rugby.
“The pressure and scrutiny I was subjected to following the Rugby World Cup final, as well as a torrent of criticism and abuse online, have helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life,” Foley said in a statement. published by the Rugby Football Union of England.
“While it is a privilege to be at the heart of some of sport’s most iconic moments, the increasing levels of vitriol, while demands and expectations are so high, have led me to this moment.”
Foley said last month that some online trolls wanted his family to “die in a terrible car accident,” while others sent emails to his children's school reporting abuse.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “The abuse he and other officials involved in that match have received since the Rugby World Cup final is completely unacceptable and no one should being treated that way, doing his job for the sport he plays. so committed and passionate.
“We will do all we can to help prevent abuse of match officials and players, and we invite everyone in our sport to consider the role they can play in upholding the values of rugby.”
Foley has officiated in 48 international matches, including 16 in the Six Nations and eight at the recent Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby announced ahead of the tournament that it was partnering with London-based data science company Signify Group to protect officials, players and coaches from online abuse. World Rugby said the welfare of tournament participants was a priority, that it had no tolerance for online abuse and would take action if necessary.
