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? Here are a selection of your responses so far.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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
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
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
I don't boo opposition kickers and wouldn't encourage that sort of behaviour in my son either, but I am rather taken with the French habit of booing their own players when they fail to impress. The tickets aren't cheap after all! Can I sell special sound occluders to the English kickers? Nice pink furry ear muffs maybe to remove any irritating background noise?Lawrence Toms, Rhondda, UK
This is yet another example of the dumbing down of our society that has taken place over the last few years.A lack of respect for people trying their best.I am an avid supporter of the Welsh team even though I was born an Englishman.Cymru am byth.Phil Baldwin, Kilgetty, Pembs.
If you were in South Africa, Newzealand or Australia I can assure you there would be plenty of booing at the opposition.get on with life .They will be telling us to stop singing when people are kicking goals next. A bit of banter or booing should not put an international goal kicker of his strike.I can ssure you that when we play at twickenham next year you will hear plenty of booingadrian hole, pontyclun
I have to say I agree with Kelvin Rees' comments on this, far too many part-time supporters are spoiling the national game for everywhere. I was at the game saturday and it was obvious from where I was sat, that some of the people around me only get let out of the house for one or two days a year (i.e. the Six Nations). I have friends in Ireland and the example their supporters set on this subject is superb. If you watch and all Irish Regional game then you will notice you can hear a pin drop every time a kick is being taken, regardless of which team it is. The other interesting point is that absolute silence is a lot more daunting than a series of lager fuelled boo'ing.Mark, Pontypridd, Wales
It's good natured banter for the most part. Usually done with a bit of laughter. Don't mistake the friendly banter and good natured atmosphere at rugby matches with the confrontational atmosphere of football matches. In football booing is usually agressive whereas in rugby its more of a friendly insult thats usually dismissed. International level players shouldn't be effected by it anyway, and if they are maybe they shouldn't be internationals.Colin Walker, Cardiff
Booing is totally unacceptable and anyone found doing so should be ejected from the stadium. It has no place at sporting venues.Stephen Keefe, New Tredegar
It's not about who won or lost, it's about etiquette and tradition. Rugby values are continually being eroded; players feigning injury, referees decisions constantly being challeged. If we are not careful rugby will end up like football, a complete farce. The Millenium Stadium is the best rugby arena in the world, lets not spoil it by daft behaviour.Llantwit Tiger, Llantwit Major, Wales
I was at the game and the loudest boo I heard was when pictures of Sir Clive Woodward were displayed on the big screens. Even he smiled. All adds to the atmosphere in my opinion and I agree with the comments made regarding kickers being put off, if they can't handle some crowd noise, they shouldn't be in international rugby.Alex, St Davids, Wales
It wasn't just during the kicks but when the England team came out on the pitch. Some so-called supporters seem to think its a pantomine! When I was at school some fellow students booed the oppostion kicks and got in so much trouble I imagine they don't even do it 20 years later. I think it is the case of lack of respect in some of the younger fans & they are not being taught its a no-no by our elders. We're not French you know!Caroline Rowlands, Bristol, UK
I've noticed over the last few years that whenever england underperform (or underachieve as was the case on saturday) they find something to complain about ranging from the referee to the condition of the pitch or even, quite pathetically in my opinion, the shape of the ball. Get over it guys. Wales were terrible in the late 80's and early 90's and we generally looked inward instead of finding some uncontrolable factor to blame it on.Colin Walker, Cardiff
