One of the key values in rugby is to respect the referee, whether you agree with their decision or not. It’s a form of respect that separates rugby from other sports and is a tradition that many who watch and play the game are proud of. So what do we do when those traditions are broken?
Well, former Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui appears to have his own opinion on the matter after a report came to light that a Fijian club player had to be escorted off the pitch by police after a violent incident involving the referee.
According to reports, a BUA Rugby Club player was escorted off the field by police officers after allegedly punching the referee on Friday during the Vodafone Vanua Championship at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The incident, which was reported by several witnesses, occurred after a contentious decision made by the referee moments before the full-time whistle blew. The cause of the altercation came about after a disagreement over a high tackle, whilst tensions were already high, and scores tight.
#SPORTS | A Bua player was escorted off the field by police officers after allegedly punching the referee.#TimesSports #FijiNews #FijiRugby https://t.co/Vn7QGxgKId
— The Fiji Times (@fijitimes) April 28, 2024
Simon said: “The player should be banned for life, no place in the game for physically assaulting match officials…the coach trying to excuse actions is a shocking look, respect starts with the coach…”
Another person added: “The player should be banned for life u can’t hit the ref no matter how bad his decisions r coach is as bad for defending his player he needs to think no one will want to be a referee if u allow players to hit them n the game can’t manage without refs”
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