On Te Ao with Moana, reporter Hikurangi Jackson investigates the rise in referee abuse in rugby, and the emotional toll the abuse brings with it. This video captured the immediate moment after a young referee was abused from the sidelines on an Auckland rugby field earlier this year. Te Ao Maori News/Supplied Spectator abuse almost forced Auckland club rugby league referee Joseph Green, 20, out of the game altogether. He says he’s been the target of racist abuse, and recently, he’s even received death threats. Perenara says abuse at any level is unacceptable, but he worries that it can be off-putting for young referees at the grassroots.

Source: Stuff October 10, 2021 23:34 UTC