‘Send me location’.
Ellis Genge was probably lost in thought, mulling over a costly away defeat to Wales, when Wayne Pivac’s side filtered past the English squad.
A minority of rugby fans, watching on, felt Genge was showing disrespect to the Welsh players by not applauding them off the pitch.
A smaller minority went so far as to abuse the Leicester Tigers prop on social media for the perceived slight.
An even smaller sample size – the real lesser lights – went even further and fired off grim death threats to Genge.
On Sunday, as he was still reflecting on England’s 40-24 defeat to Wales, Genge took to his own social media account to reveal he had been subjected to some ghastly abuse:
Don’t know why I’m not clapping in that tunnel must be deep in thought, utmost respect for the Welsh 🌼 as for keyboard warriors sending death threats etc …. pic.twitter.com/qX49P570V2
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) February 28, 2021
The ‘send me location’ GIF in Genge’s post is in reference to UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov’s remarks to Conor McGregor after the Dubliner thrashed his bus in the lead-up to UFC 223, in 2018.
Not was not the only England international who was subjected to threats and vile comments following their latest Six Nations outing.
It has led to the English Rugby Football Union condemning ‘some of the reaction on social media’ to the players.
A statement from England Rugby. pic.twitter.com/D6wfut7BNV
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 28, 2021
Following BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan’s social media post about the disgusting abuse she received – following her post-match interviews with the English and Welsh coaches and captains – it is a real low point for rugby and social media.
Of course, rugby is not alone in trying to tackle social media users believing they can just log on, fire off some bile, @ their intended target, log off and get on with their day.
Republic of Ireland international bravely stepped forward, recently, to show and discuss some of the death threats that had been sent to both himself and his partner on social media, with the Football Association of Ireland backing the midfielder in highlighting the abuse.
Perhaps with all the major sporting bodies coming together to force change, it will lead to something tangible; something positive.
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