Ben O'Keeffe, the referee in charge of yesterday's Autumn Nations Series clash between Ireland Australia, took to Instagram to share a series of shocking abusive messages he received after the game.
"You don't realise everyone thinks your a joke," one user began. "Take time to sit back and think about that....you actually destroyed peoples dreams last night....players and fans....I really hope you fuck off.... your a prick and you know you are....a disgrace to the game."
"You make me sick," another user wrote.
"I'm so embarrassed you represent my game, you're so clueless as to what the rules are," said another.
The is presumably a regular occurrence for officials, and O'Keeffe is highlighting it at a time where there is much discourse about the treatment of referees in the game, particularly after the critical tweets from Rassie Erasmus.
Many have argued that Erasmus' tweets have helped fuel toxic behaviour towards referees, and his last tweet on the issue, where he sarcastically claimed that his tweets were not aimed at officials, looks particularly unfavourable after O'Keeffe's Instagram stories.
Ben O'Keeffe Abuse After Ireland - Australia
Like myself the referee of the French test & his family have received threats & abuse. Apparently it’s partly due to my tweets which is totally unfounded.Tweets were not aimed at the officials,but to our 🇿🇦fans on what we should do better. Have a go at me not the ref!! Tweets👇🏿 pic.twitter.com/XYnrtjl091
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 17, 2022
READ HERE: Ireland vs Australia : Matt Williams Slated For 'Dinosaur' Stance On Nic White Head Injury
The most controversial element of the Ireland -Australia game centred around Nic White, who was allowed back on the field after his HIA assessment, despite stumbling numerous times on the pitch.
However, the Wallaby scrumhalf was adamant that the doctors made the right call.
"I was pulled off by the physio to do a HIA, I felt fine.
"I passed my HIA, I went back on. I remember everything, clear as day, I feel fine. I feel good.
"I passed my HIA and I was good to go.
"Very confident, I did the HIA and I passed it.
"Like, I'm 78kg - running up against these blokes, mate I feel fine now. You guys can attest to that.
"The process, I did the HIA and passed it. I'm good.
"How often do I run out of the corner out of a lineout and get bashed by three blokes.
"I was just a little ginger, I'm fine mate."
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