EP rugby refs flash red card

[MickeyD]

ALL Eastern Province club rugby matches scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled after referees downed their whistles in protest against a series of unruly incidents directed at them.

Irate referees say they have been spat on and also needed to be physically protected by players and executive members at some games.

In one instance, a referee’s car tyres were slashed after a game.

Matters reached a head when the Eastern Province Rugby Referees’ Society raised concerns with the EP Rugby Union (EPRU) regarding the conduct shown towards them at club matches.

Manager of the society Jacques Hugo said because of the recent incidents, referees unanimously decided to down whistles until at least July 29.

“It has become a matter of course that referees are verbally abused from the moment they set foot at various grounds until the match comes to an end,” Hugo said in a statement.

More than 100 referees belong to the association.

– George Byron
http://www.heraldlive.co.za/ep-rugby-refs-flash-red-card/

 

[akescpt]

well done to the refs...

 

[Bighit]

Good!

 

[Hectic]

It is a sad day when there is a need for this, but yes, I support the refs if that is the behavior they must endure from spectators and other officials.

 

[Batista]

Good, but do you honestly think this will change the mindset of the supporters who terrorise these poor refs?Stricter fines for clubs and wrong-doiers!

 

[MickeyD]

Good, but do you honestly think this will change the mindset of the supporters who terrorise these poor refs?Stricter fines for clubs and wrong-doiers!

Some of these clubs play at community grounds, so the troublemakers may not even be supporters of either club.

But I do agree with you that, if the supporters can be linked to a specific club, then that club must be disciplined.

BTW this is not the first time that this has happened... (ref boycott)