Nigel Owens issues stern rebuke to Britain's 'selfish' supermarket bulk buyers

Nigel Owens has issued a verbal warning to panic shoppers who have been emptying supermarket shelves of essential everyday products as Britain adjusts to life amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With all rugby suspended and no prospect of a resumption any time soon, the veteran referee has been busying himself around his home in Wales. 

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Lawbreakers at the bottom of a rugby breakdown are usually the culprits that Owens has in his sights every weekend when officiating. 

However, he has used his latest walesonline.co.uk column to admonish shoppers who have been hoarding essential products by buying in bulk despite government officials insisting there is no issue with the food supply chain and there is enough for everyone. 

“I believe those bulk buying are being very selfish, that is people going out there and not caring for someone who goes without,” said Owens, who admitted he is fortunate amid the British restrictions that he has got fields around his house and lives near Pontyberem Park where he can go for a run and take the dogs for a walk. 

“We need to be sensible about it. We don’t need to stock up on things for months and months on end. If people are sensible and just keep a few things for a rainy day the country can supply enough food for everyone.

“There’s only one word for people who bulk buy – selfish. People are going out there and panicking and buying loads and loads of stuff, they need to take a long look in the mirror because it’s selfish. 

“It’s not caring or looking out for your family. I don’t know how some of these people would have survived generations ago.

“By all means buy things for those who can’t go to the shop themselves and if you are vulnerable or elderly and can’t make frequent visits to the shop, then one can understand you buying a bit extra to tide you over for a bit longer, but those needlessly emptying the shelves, please stop and think of others.

“I just don’t understand this bulk buying of toilet paper. We need to think about other people because we’re all in this together and we need to help each other out. Don’t go over the top and make other people go without.”

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