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Video - Welsh fans sing 'Delilah' in defiance of controversial ban
By Kim Ekin
Videos have emerged of Wales fans belting out controversial Tom Jones’ ditty Delilah, which was banned this week by the Principality Stadium.
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Inside, the stadium, the first strains of ‘Delilah’ were heard from the Cardiff crowd at the start of the second half.
Choirs were banned in the week from singing the Tom Jones hit, with the song’s lyrics including reference to a woman being murdered by her jealous partner.
The Welsh Rugby Union – the governing body which has recently been hit by sexism and discrimination allegations – took the song off its half-time entertainment and music playlist during Test matches in 2015.
Fans, seemingly in defiance of the decision, sang it both outside and inside the stadium at various locations.
Irish rugby journalist Rúaidhrí O’Connor posted a video on Twitter, writing: “Delilah ringing out around the streets of Cardiff.”
Delilah ringing out around the streets of Cardiff pic.twitter.com/TJVvUhmKWh
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) February 4, 2023
“Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a Principality Stadium spokesperson said. “The WRU removed the song from its half-time entertainment and music playlist during international matches in 2015.
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“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.
“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.
“We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song, and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”
Allegations of a “toxic culture” at the WRU were aired in a television documentary last week, resulting in the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips on Sunday.
An independent taskforce is to be set up to tackle the allegations, with Sport Wales – a Welsh government-funded body – advising on the make-up and remit of the panel.
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The allegations have rocked the whole sport in Wales to its foundations.
additional reporting PA
