Nigel Owens praises RFU’s decision to ban two fans from future matches
By Josh Haggis
Nigel Owens has praised The Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) decision to ban two fans from future matches after they were accused of shouting homophobic comments.
The RFU launched an investigation after Owens – the first gay man to referee at the highest level in the sport – was subject to homophobic and racial abuse from angry fans in the stands during England’s match against New Zealand at Twickenham on November 8.
It was announced today (November 28) that on top of being handed the two-year ban, both fans will also each pay £1,000 to a charity of Owens’ choice. Find out more here.
Speaking to the BBC, Owens has argued that it’s “not him” that the comments hurt, but the children in the crowd that are “dealing with their own sexuality.”
“It’s up to rugby people in the stadium saying ‘that’s not acceptable in this sport’ so we can get rid of them from the game,” said Owens. “They go to the stadiums, get drunk and think its fine to shout abuse.”
He continued: “I’d tell them to think twice about saying things, because it’s not me they’re hurting, it’s the young kid sitting in the row in front who’s maybe dealing with their own sexuality.”
“The most difficult thing I ever had to do in my life was accepting I was gay,” he explained. “It’s someone sitting two seats away, going through what I went through, dealing with who they are, who are the people they’re putting in danger.
“I’ve been there myself and I know they can tip you over the edge, I had a second chance, let’s make sure that we don’t put other people in that situation – because there’s no need for it in society and no need for it in life,” he added.
Meanwhile, gay hate crime reports are on the rise in the UK according to a police – find out more here.
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