NZR supports referee after Super Rugby final abuse

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has come out in support of referee Ben O’Keeffe and the comments he made following the Super Rugby Pacifika final on Saturday.

The experienced O’Keeffe responded to the abuse he received following the final, saying that he was worried about the direction the game is going.

He went on to post a message on his Instagram replying to the abuse and threats, plus some of the messages he received, a lot of which were very offensive.

All the officials were booed by some sections of the crowd in the Waikato Stadium during the medal ceremony after the Crusaders’ victory.

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New Zealand Rugby firmly stands behind New Zealand Referee Ben O’Keeffe. Ben is a widely respected member of the rugby community and an outstanding match official. pic.twitter.com/kcbGLA84wc

— New Zealand Rugby (@NZRugby) June 26, 2023

During the game he repeatedly warned the Chiefs for their offense in the first half and the penalty count was 15-8 while three players got their marching orders through yellow cards.

“Unfortunately, as a union referee at the highest level, I have had to accept and grow accustomed to the post-match vitriol that fans normalise post game,” O’Keeffe wrote.

“It’s a sad reality that it doesn’t affect me anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok.

“Referees are part of the game, and we need support from players and coaches to have the tough conversations privately but to publicly back and support their officials – not criticise. This will change the way the fans treat us.

“Abuse is out there and for anyone going through it right now in any form please understand there is support there, people do love you, there is help available and if all else fails, send me a message and I would be happy to talk with you.

“Let’s celebrate the season, let’s celebrate what was a great final from the players.

“There were some excellent decisions, and some poor ones that I accept I made and need to improve on – continual growth is something that excites me to be better for the game.

“We need Rugby to be the best game in the world, on and off the field – let’s do it together.”

Mark Robinson, CEO of the NZR, was quoted in the statement: “New Zealand rugby firmly stands behind Ben and all referees who are involved in our game. Ben is a hugely respected member of our rugby community and an outstanding match official. Referees play an integral part in our sport at all levels and I want to echo Ben’s comments, and make it very clear that there is no place in our sport for abuse. I encourage everyone in the rugby community to play an active role in standing up for abuse and behaviour that goes against the values of the game.”

Anton Lienert-Brown is facing a video hearing on Monday for a high tackle on Dallas Mcleod following the yellow he received.

Loose forwards Luke Jacobson and Sam Cane were also sin-binned, the latter for a costly ruck offence late in the game.

Source @NewZealandRugby