Stuart Lancaster has implored England fans to show respect while supporting his team, as the RFU continue to investigate allegations that referee Nigel Owens was subjected to homophobic abuse at Twickenham last Saturday. The union’s disciplinary officer, Gerard McEvilly, was thought to be in contact with a spectator, Keith Wilson, who has complained about comments made by fans sitting near him — aimed at Welsh official Owens, who is gay. In a letter, Mr Wilson referred to ‘nasty, foul-mouthed, racist, homophobic abuse’ during England’s match against New Zealand, while adding the ‘vitriol’ left him feeling ‘ashamed’. Owens, who has been known to joke about his sexuality during matches, responded to the allegations by urging the RFU to ban for life anyone found guilty of such abuse, saying: ‘They need to be told that some behaviour is not acceptable, that crossing the line of what is humour and banter is a fine line, but if you cross it then you have to put up with the consequences.’
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The union’s disciplinary officer, Gerard McEvilly, was thought to be in contact with a spectator, Keith Wilson, who has complained about comments made by fans sitting near him aimed at Nigel Owens
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Owens responded to the allegations by urging the RFU to ban for life anyone found guilty of such abuse
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RFU chief Ian Ritchie endorsed Lancaster’s view on Thursday night
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Lancaster also plays down news that the Samoan rugby team have considered boycotting their match at Twickenham next week
Having met @placeholder on Friday, we want him to have an enjoyable experience coming to England and it is a shame if he feels that memory has been tarnished.