The Welsh Rugby Union has urged Welsh fans to remain silent when opposition players kick for goal after some booed English players during Saturday's game.
The Welsh Rugby Union has urged Welsh fans to remain silent when opposition players kick for goal after some booed English players during Saturday's game.
Boos broke out at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff when England took - and missed - a crucial penalty near the end of the Six Nations clash.
Boos broke out at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff when England took - and missed - a crucial penalty near the end of the Six Nations clash.
Wales won the game 23-15, having led all the way through.
Wales won the game 23-15, having led all the way through.
The WRU said Welsh supporters had a reputation for "courtesy", adding: "We deplore bad behaviour."
The WRU said Welsh supporters had a reputation for "courtesy", adding: "We deplore bad behaviour."
The rugby body said it decided to issue a statement following newspaper reports which "highlighted" booing of English place kickers and players during the game.
The rugby body said it decided to issue a statement following newspaper reports which "highlighted" booing of English place kickers and players during the game.
"Our supporters have a worldwide reputation for their courtesy and their knowledge of rugby," the statement said.
"Our supporters have a worldwide reputation for their courtesy and their knowledge of rugby," the statement said.
"The WRU champions this courtesy as one of our core values and we deplore bad behaviour.
"The WRU champions this courtesy as one of our core values and we deplore bad behaviour.
"We are aware that some sections of the crowd have been guilty of making a noise when opposition team kickers are in action and we urge them to remain silent."
"We are aware that some sections of the crowd have been guilty of making a noise when opposition team kickers are in action and we urge them to remain silent."
What do you think of booing at rugby matches? We'll print a selection of your responses.
What do you think of booing at rugby matches? Here are a selection of your responses so far.
I was there on Saturday amongst loads of English fans and they were all booing when Welsh penalties were being taken, the only difference is that there were lots more Welsh fans so they obviously are louder. You can't honestly expect a game like that to be played and expect good nature, the English and Welsh hate each other (when it comes to rugby that is!).Dan, Cardiff
I was there on Saturday amongst loads of English fans and they were all booing when Welsh penalties were being taken, the only difference is that there were lots more Welsh fans so they obviously are louder. You can't honestly expect a game like that to be played and expect good nature, the English and Welsh hate each other (when it comes to rugby that is!).Dan, Cardiff
Having grown up in a rugby supporting household, I was brought up believing that booing was very un-sportsmanlike behaviour and not to be associated with the game. In a sport where supportrs from both teams sit side by side, it pays to be polite. Let the teams slug it out on the pitch, ther's no need for the supporters to do that in the stand too. Sara Williams, Cardiff, Wales
Having grown up in a rugby supporting household, I was brought up believing that booing was very un-sportsmanlike behaviour and not to be associated with the game. In a sport where supportrs from both teams sit side by side, it pays to be polite. Let the teams slug it out on the pitch, ther's no need for the supporters to do that in the stand too. Sara Williams, Cardiff, Wales
Rugby is slowly becoming like Football with all the booing. A few years ago this was a minority who were shut up by loyal fans but I've noticed its getting a lot worse now. People should realize its a sport not a conflict and treat it as such.Mark Howard, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Rugby is slowly becoming like Football with all the booing. A few years ago this was a minority who were shut up by loyal fans but I've noticed its getting a lot worse now. People should realize its a sport not a conflict and treat it as such.Mark Howard, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
there is a differant breed of rugby supporters at internationals today, as a high percentage of these supporters are part timers ,they only support internationals so they can say they where there and the true supporters who watch and support rugby through local or regional rugby cannot get the the tickets ,there should be a scheme by the wru that you must be a member of a local or region club to purchase tickets if a scheme was operated like this it would create more revenue for clubs and hopefully development programmes for the younger players of the future kelvin rees, pontypridd
there is a differant breed of rugby supporters at internationals today, as a high percentage of these supporters are part timers ,they only support internationals so they can say they where there and the true supporters who watch and support rugby through local or regional rugby cannot get the the tickets ,there should be a scheme by the wru that you must be a member of a local or region club to purchase tickets if a scheme was operated like this it would create more revenue for clubs and hopefully development programmes for the younger players of the future kelvin rees, pontypridd
Come on. As noble as this request seems, there's few things more entertaining than watching an away team kicker facing a challenging attempt at goal, while having to deal with 60,000 'prayers' that he misses, often in the form of boo-ing and whistling. If he still puts it over, all the more credit to him. paul vass, London
Come on. As noble as this request seems, there's few things more entertaining than watching an away team kicker facing a challenging attempt at goal, while having to deal with 60,000 'prayers' that he misses, often in the form of boo-ing and whistling. If he still puts it over, all the more credit to him. paul vass, London
Some supporters boo at being frustrated that their team have given away the opportunity of points to the opposition and try to put the kicker off by booing. Some players taking kicks are unaffected by this and still convert the penalty others are affected and miss. It would be respectful of fans to remain quiet during the penalty attempt but whether it would happen or not is another thing with near to 70000 people in the stadium it 's alot to expect them all to remain quiet.John Davies, LLangennith Swansea
Some supporters boo at being frustrated that their team have given away the opportunity of points to the opposition and try to put the kicker off by booing. Some players taking kicks are unaffected by this and still convert the penalty others are affected and miss. It would be respectful of fans to remain quiet during the penalty attempt but whether it would happen or not is another thing with near to 70000 people in the stadium it 's alot to expect them all to remain quiet.John Davies, LLangennith Swansea
Come on,these are professional players.They should have the mentality to focus on the game not what is going on around them.Anthony Angell, Croespenmaen
Its a part of sport, the cheering the booing... and as for this article is doesnt just come from one side. I don't boo the opposition but you can't blame someone who does, A good fly-half should be able to block it all out anyway, and focus purely on the kick. England fans booed the welsh just as much, and if it was at twickenham i doubt it would have been picked up on.
Stefanie Jenkins, Blackwood, Wales
Booing is wholly unacceptable and yobbish. I watched the match on Satuday and the booing definitely marred my pleasure at a great Welsh win. Chwarae teg, boys - give them a chance.Rog Chez, Holywell, Flintshire
Most place kickers will tell you they hear and see nothing other than the ball and the target during a kick. That notwithstanding,like a pevious commenter, I too was brought up to believ it is unsportsmanlike. The higher profile of professional rugby has brought in some of the less agreeable habits of other pro sports. On & off the field of play.Bill Scott, Belfast, NI
The booing is annoying and needs to stop but how can you? I've noticed at the liberty when watching the Ospreys you get a lot of booing and to be honest its mainly younger people and kids. I can't see anyone listening to the WRU, maybe the WRU should get players like Shane Williams or Ryan Jones to condem booing and ask fans to give more respect to the opposition. That might get a few of them to listen?Phillip, Swansea
As an avid fan, I have found the booing most unseemly, all it does it show the supporters in a bad light. Fans can and do show their support with singing, lifting spirits, so much better than behaving like some of those who attend football. morg williams, Denbigh North Wales
All it takes is leadership and example. Politeness, decency, mutual respect is the essence of Rugby Football. It's part of what seperates us from the other code. And it possible to stop the booing dead. We could take a lead from that other code. When Brian Clough ran Notts Forest, he had a bill-board poster put up saying (words to the effect of) No Swearing Please. Brian. It worked.Michael Mitchell, Sutton Coldfield
I have watched rugby since I was a kid, booing and putting off the kicker has always been a part of the game ever since I can remember. If you can't switch off from the crowd and compose yourself when it comes to kicking a penalty/conversion, you shouldn't be playing international rugby.Matt B, Llanharan
I attended the match on Saturday and was also disappointed by the "booing". However, would so much have been made about it in the newspapers had England won? I doubt it very much indeed! Whilst I firmly agree that it is unsporting, I also sense a large degree of sour grapes.Mike, Cardiff
I agree with Kelvin Rees of Pontypridd. I was born in England but lived in Wales for over 30 years and support Wales wholeheartedly. I also support the Whites and go to most home games when I can and am a season ticket holder. It is increasingly difficult to get tickets for internationals and regional games and agree there should be a system for the loyal supporters so they can support their country. That would certainly reduce if not cut out completely the booing.sheila perry, swansea south wales
I was brought up never to Boo or make any other noise when kicks were being taken and we respected that in the day. However if we take a look at other sports I think that respect has diminished to the point that at basketball ball games in the NBA the crowd are encouraged to make noise, wave things etc when a player id taking a free throw. I have have to be honest I am in two minds on this one my old heart says "No Noise" but if it is the same for both teams what's the disadvantage?Paul Norman, Oshawa Canada, ne Barry
As an English rugby fan living in Wales for 7 years, I have found the Welsh fans on the whole to be courteous, fair and even-handed, while still supporting their country. A little ribbing is to be expected, and will be returned. I also think that, as professional players, a little booing really isn't going to put anyone off. As long as it doesn't get to the football stage of throwing objects, I don't see an issue. Oh - well done to Wales for the win. Good game!Steve, Crosskeys, Wales
