Fans accused of shouting homophobic abuse given two-year match ban

Two rugby fans accused of shouting homophobic comments during a match have been banned from attending Twickenham Stadium for two-years.

According to a complaint from a supporter, Nigel Owens – the first gay man to referee at the highest level in the sport – was subject to derogatory comments from angry fans in the stands during England’s match against New Zealand at Twickenham on November 8. Read more here.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), who earlier this month launched an on-going investigation into the homophobic and racial abuse, has announced that on top of being given a two-year ban, both fans will each pay £1,000 to a charity of Owens’ choice.

“While instances of this nature are exceptionally rare, the RFU takes rugby’s values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship very seriously, and is determined to uphold them,” said RFU’s CEO Ian Ritchie. “We are all guardians of these aspects of the game, on and off the pitch, and it is these values which make the sport special.”

Meanwhile, openly gay footballer Robbie Rogers has revealed that he was shocked that there wasn’t “more of a chain reaction” when he came out – find out more here

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