England’s RFU investigating allegations of anti-gay abuse at referee Nigel Owens during match

CP30685667
England’s Chris Robshaw, left, takes down New Zealand’s Samuel Whitelock during their international rugby union match at Twickenham stadium, London, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

LONDON – England’s Rugby Football Union is investigating allegations of anti-gay abuse aimed at referee Nigel Owens during last weekend’s test match between England and New Zealand.

A spectator who attended Saturday’s match at Twickenham said in a letter published by British newspaper The Guardian that a “bunch of men” hurled “nasty, foul-mouthed, racist, homophobic abuse” at Owens, who is gay.

The RFU says “we take any allegations of any abuse very seriously and are investigating this matter.”

Owens, who is from Wales, is widely regarded as one of rugby’s top referees.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles