Fans rally around Leicester players after vile online abuse

Rugby fans from all over the United Kingdom have rallied behind Leicester Tigers, after the revelation that a number of their players and their families have received abuse from fans on social media.

This came after the Tigers’ loss to Exeter at Welford Road last weekend, and the abusers have subsequently been given a lifetime ban from Leicester’s home ground, something that has received universal acclaim from fans on Twitter.

Leicester are clearly struggling at the moment, but fans have all united in agreeing that there is absolutely no place for abuse. This has also been echoed by some football fans, who have said that they hope their sport would follow the example that Leicester have set.

Rugby prides itself in not having a culture like this, and it has not just been Leicester fans that have branded this behaviour as reprehensible.

This is what the fans have said on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Ascov87/status/1116058848991875073
https://twitter.com/MarianEWeadick/status/1116059147202703362
https://twitter.com/cotswoldsit/status/1116016954022690822
https://twitter.com/SionEds/status/1116026395392606209
https://twitter.com/allenprior/status/1116097219868987394
https://twitter.com/Obvi0us_Tweets/status/1116031583805374465
https://twitter.com/I_bleed_scarlet/status/1116258527335600129
https://twitter.com/LloydieWarren/status/1116253934392434688
https://twitter.com/susanmacdonald3/status/1116239251434295297
https://twitter.com/SharonV73435701/status/1116088214186594304
https://twitter.com/LeighEvans_2/status/1116079934269722624

Gloucester fan here, im shocked, saddened and hurt by the comments made against your players and thier families. I hope you find the trolls and punish them severley..with you all the way on this as this isnt wanted in our sport.

— wayne brown (@bigdub0_0) April 11, 2019

There was some relief for Leicester on Friday night after defeating Newcastle Falcons on the road.

It was a much-needed boost following their 52-20 loss to the Chiefs weekend before which was a humbling experience.

Their fortunes this season are a far cry from the Leicester of old, who have been one of English rugby’s powerhouses for many years. However, regardless of the team’s performances, there is absolutely no excuse for the abuse that has been sent the players’ way, and the support for the way Leicester have handled this has been huge, and a greater reflection of what rugby is about.