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| Don't be boo boys, fans are urged | |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| 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." |
| We asked what you thought of booing at rugby matches. Here are a selection of your responses. | |
| 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 | 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. | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Much ado about nowt.....of course you should not boo....but these guys are pros and probably cannot tell boos from cheers.Dale Daniel, Bishop Auckland | Much ado about nowt.....of course you should not boo....but these guys are pros and probably cannot tell boos from cheers.Dale Daniel, Bishop Auckland |
| This is a nonsense. I believe that booing the opposition kicks is part and parcel of the whole "home advantage" thing. I remember a Cardiff game, a while back, when the opposition kicker was taking a penalty and some lads who were in the hospitality box behind the goalposts were flicking the lights on and off. The kicker slotted it and the incident was laughed at. Point being, it's part and parcel of why kicking is so hard, it has been going on for ages and I'm not going to stop booing (and supporting my team vocally in general) over typical English sour grapes...you boys are lucky Worsley had a stormer or you would've had the smashing predicted by the media!Ben Roche, Cardiff, Wales | This is a nonsense. I believe that booing the opposition kicks is part and parcel of the whole "home advantage" thing. I remember a Cardiff game, a while back, when the opposition kicker was taking a penalty and some lads who were in the hospitality box behind the goalposts were flicking the lights on and off. The kicker slotted it and the incident was laughed at. Point being, it's part and parcel of why kicking is so hard, it has been going on for ages and I'm not going to stop booing (and supporting my team vocally in general) over typical English sour grapes...you boys are lucky Worsley had a stormer or you would've had the smashing predicted by the media!Ben Roche, Cardiff, Wales |
| Why are there more comments on such an insignificant issue when the country is going to pieces! Bless our beloved BBC Wales for raising a non-issue again.Martin Turner, Cardiff | Why are there more comments on such an insignificant issue when the country is going to pieces! Bless our beloved BBC Wales for raising a non-issue again.Martin Turner, Cardiff |
| It is the responsibilty of the stewards to monitor behavior in the stadium. There seems to be an army of them, so lets see them do what they get paid to do, not gather in groups discussing whatever. They have a duty to remove trouble makers from the arena if they persistently cause trouble or offence to others.kevin lewis, ammanford, wales | It is the responsibilty of the stewards to monitor behavior in the stadium. There seems to be an army of them, so lets see them do what they get paid to do, not gather in groups discussing whatever. They have a duty to remove trouble makers from the arena if they persistently cause trouble or offence to others.kevin lewis, ammanford, wales |
| I find that Wales fan will look for almost any excuse to have a go at the English. Quite pathetic really. Bare in mind that the WRU have said no booing. I doubt the RFU told them to come up with that policy and even if they had, would WRU have really taken any notice?Chris Darby, Birmingham | I find that Wales fan will look for almost any excuse to have a go at the English. Quite pathetic really. Bare in mind that the WRU have said no booing. I doubt the RFU told them to come up with that policy and even if they had, would WRU have really taken any notice?Chris Darby, Birmingham |
| Quit moaning about the booing. England lost fair and square. We won. If it was at twickers and there was booing at our side then nothing would have been said. PS. Well done Wales!Jim Edwards, Limassol , Cyprus | Quit moaning about the booing. England lost fair and square. We won. If it was at twickers and there was booing at our side then nothing would have been said. PS. Well done Wales!Jim Edwards, Limassol , Cyprus |
| It would be much better if everyone laughed when they were kicking.steve, cardiff | It would be much better if everyone laughed when they were kicking.steve, cardiff |
| I was also at the match on Saturday and can confirm that the England supporters also did their fair bit of booing! Sour grapes indeed! Penny, Newport | I was also at the match on Saturday and can confirm that the England supporters also did their fair bit of booing! Sour grapes indeed! Penny, Newport |
| The booing is a shame, and the habit of letting off horns as people kick just unpleasant. Thankfully some places remain good mannered - on my last visit to Gloucester you had silence for kicking - by both sides. | The booing is a shame, and the habit of letting off horns as people kick just unpleasant. Thankfully some places remain good mannered - on my last visit to Gloucester you had silence for kicking - by both sides. |
| Alan, Swansea | Alan, Swansea |
| I too was brought up not to boo; not just at rugby, it is bad manners. It would probably affect a kicker more if there was complete silence instead of a bit of noise. Now that's powerful!Don, Edinburgh, UK | I too was brought up not to boo; not just at rugby, it is bad manners. It would probably affect a kicker more if there was complete silence instead of a bit of noise. Now that's powerful!Don, Edinburgh, UK |
| Booing is not an acceptable part of the game, it is rude, shows lack of respect, breeding, and is unsporting. Couple of years ago there was a spate of booing the opposition's national anthems, fortunately that was stopped by the crowd themselves!It is probably not helped by those idiots drinking gallons of beer during the match, very wendy- ball behaviour, observe the Munster supporters'behaviour !! Paul G, Wales | Booing is not an acceptable part of the game, it is rude, shows lack of respect, breeding, and is unsporting. Couple of years ago there was a spate of booing the opposition's national anthems, fortunately that was stopped by the crowd themselves!It is probably not helped by those idiots drinking gallons of beer during the match, very wendy- ball behaviour, observe the Munster supporters'behaviour !! Paul G, Wales |
| Oh c'mon! I remember Neil Jenkins having to kick at Twickenham in a completely hostile atmosphere. However he had the ability to concentrate and do the job. Even if we'd all cheered that kick on Saturday would never have gone over - and that's a fact. Unfortunately England have a fair way to go - booing is the least of their problems. Alison, Cardiff | Oh c'mon! I remember Neil Jenkins having to kick at Twickenham in a completely hostile atmosphere. However he had the ability to concentrate and do the job. Even if we'd all cheered that kick on Saturday would never have gone over - and that's a fact. Unfortunately England have a fair way to go - booing is the least of their problems. Alison, Cardiff |
| Regarding the booing I don't think there's much harm to it, I've been to Scotland vs England at Murrayfield and it's much worse. As long as it doesn't get to football levels. A lot of people are saying that tickets should only be available to people who go to their local teams, I think that's rather unfair and against the spirit of rugby. I have noticed that for some matches that is exactly what is happening, as I tried to get a ticket last year and because I can't go watch Ospreys or such I couldn't even purchase a ticket. If you come from North Wales there aren't well advertised teams and matches, or at least where I am. Maya Johnson, Caerwys, Wales | Regarding the booing I don't think there's much harm to it, I've been to Scotland vs England at Murrayfield and it's much worse. As long as it doesn't get to football levels. A lot of people are saying that tickets should only be available to people who go to their local teams, I think that's rather unfair and against the spirit of rugby. I have noticed that for some matches that is exactly what is happening, as I tried to get a ticket last year and because I can't go watch Ospreys or such I couldn't even purchase a ticket. If you come from North Wales there aren't well advertised teams and matches, or at least where I am. Maya Johnson, Caerwys, Wales |
| Having gone to all the internationals at some time over recent years, I found the behaviour of so called Welsh fans embarrassing. Not only did they boo the opposition in the ground but they also thought it was good fun to do the same to a young band of Welsh musicians who tried to play "Swing low sweet chariot" in the pub where we trying to enjoy some pre match banter. This left a very bad taste in my mouth for sure.Chris Thomas , Swansea | Having gone to all the internationals at some time over recent years, I found the behaviour of so called Welsh fans embarrassing. Not only did they boo the opposition in the ground but they also thought it was good fun to do the same to a young band of Welsh musicians who tried to play "Swing low sweet chariot" in the pub where we trying to enjoy some pre match banter. This left a very bad taste in my mouth for sure.Chris Thomas , Swansea |
| Supporters are becoming more yobbish. Always good to have banter but some of the anti English sentiment was awful. Those fair weather fans should stay home. Where were you all during the 80s and 90s when us real fans were turning up to support the team during some dire times. If your just there for the beer and booing then your not welcome. The stewards should get tougher and not admit those who can hardly stand trough drink. There were a few. They should also throw out those who became overly aggressive and down right racist at times. I hope for a better atmosphere at future matches. Cymru am bythDrew, Abergavenny | Supporters are becoming more yobbish. Always good to have banter but some of the anti English sentiment was awful. Those fair weather fans should stay home. Where were you all during the 80s and 90s when us real fans were turning up to support the team during some dire times. If your just there for the beer and booing then your not welcome. The stewards should get tougher and not admit those who can hardly stand trough drink. There were a few. They should also throw out those who became overly aggressive and down right racist at times. I hope for a better atmosphere at future matches. Cymru am bythDrew, Abergavenny |
| Whilst I was watching the game in the pub, several fellow Wales fans started booing kicks. I turned to them and said that it was not how we, as rugby fans, do things. This was sufficient to stop them for the duration. If everyone did that, this menace would be stamped out!James Hunter, Oxford, UK | Whilst I was watching the game in the pub, several fellow Wales fans started booing kicks. I turned to them and said that it was not how we, as rugby fans, do things. This was sufficient to stop them for the duration. If everyone did that, this menace would be stamped out!James Hunter, Oxford, UK |
| Yes, we were all heartbroken for Toby, when he was disturbed by the boos. And, of course, our hearts weent out to Mr Goode, when he sinned, and never got back on the pitch. Tragic.Ian Johnson, Rhuthun | Yes, we were all heartbroken for Toby, when he was disturbed by the boos. And, of course, our hearts weent out to Mr Goode, when he sinned, and never got back on the pitch. Tragic.Ian Johnson, Rhuthun |
| I think that booing at a Rugby match is bad manners. What happened to sportsmanship ? Is rugby turning into North American football, baseball where you expect boorish behaviour. Please do not allow your sport become just a venue for boorish behaviour. I would like to be able to some sport that isn't rowdiness.And for the record I think that UK football even is controlled rowdism, compared to some sports over here.Paul Willson, Victoria B.C.Canada | I think that booing at a Rugby match is bad manners. What happened to sportsmanship ? Is rugby turning into North American football, baseball where you expect boorish behaviour. Please do not allow your sport become just a venue for boorish behaviour. I would like to be able to some sport that isn't rowdiness.And for the record I think that UK football even is controlled rowdism, compared to some sports over here.Paul Willson, Victoria B.C.Canada |
| The Irish fans don't boo. (The land of the thousand welcomes). The French fans (not just rugby) are very boo-rish. Sadly, we seem to be catching them up.John, Mouans Sartoux, France | The Irish fans don't boo. (The land of the thousand welcomes). The French fans (not just rugby) are very boo-rish. Sadly, we seem to be catching them up.John, Mouans Sartoux, France |
| I was there too on Saturday, and was embarressed by the booing when the english kicker kicked for goal, what I found worse though were the people getting up and down to go to the bar, surely if you pay that much to go to the game, you dont want to be spending all your time going to get a beer all the timePhill Jones, Horsham | I was there too on Saturday, and was embarressed by the booing when the english kicker kicked for goal, what I found worse though were the people getting up and down to go to the bar, surely if you pay that much to go to the game, you dont want to be spending all your time going to get a beer all the timePhill Jones, Horsham |
| In Ireland, you can hear a pin drop, whichever side is taking the kick. Perhaps we should take a leaf out of their book.Toby Townrow, Llanelli, Wales | In Ireland, you can hear a pin drop, whichever side is taking the kick. Perhaps we should take a leaf out of their book.Toby Townrow, Llanelli, Wales |
| So some people booed - get over it! Were the fans screaming racial abuse at sackey? No. Were they launching missiles onto the pitch during play? No. So lighten up and move on - its light-hearted banter at the very most. Am I the only one who thinks that the WRU have had to say something because it was highlighted in the national (english) press? Ellie McNamara, Coventry | So some people booed - get over it! Were the fans screaming racial abuse at sackey? No. Were they launching missiles onto the pitch during play? No. So lighten up and move on - its light-hearted banter at the very most. Am I the only one who thinks that the WRU have had to say something because it was highlighted in the national (english) press? Ellie McNamara, Coventry |
| It's no surprise. The Welsh, Scots and French have been booing for years... so why release a public statement now? The booing of Joe Worsley as man of the match was even more disgraceful though, and made it appear as if the Welsh crowd knew nothing about rugby.Dave S, London | It's no surprise. The Welsh, Scots and French have been booing for years... so why release a public statement now? The booing of Joe Worsley as man of the match was even more disgraceful though, and made it appear as if the Welsh crowd knew nothing about rugby.Dave S, London |
| It's not just the Internationals, in the Heineken Cup, when an English club plays away in Wales, Ireland and to a lesser extent Scotland, the kickers are always boo'd even if it's a Welshman taking the kick! Mike, Stoke on Trent | It's not just the Internationals, in the Heineken Cup, when an English club plays away in Wales, Ireland and to a lesser extent Scotland, the kickers are always boo'd even if it's a Welshman taking the kick! Mike, Stoke on Trent |
| I have never read so much over reaction in my life! And for this to come from england who are quite happy to boo oppositon kickers is even more hilarious. I agree with the lad who said about the hatred, it is so intense when it comes to rugby between these two nations. It never ceases to amaze me how little noise 73,000 people can make so at least when they boo they are trying to get involved. Compatring to football supporters is just snobbery, in terms of noise levels rugby doesn't even come close. It it wasn't for the kind of people that booed Toby Flood there really would be no atmosphere at all in the stadium. It was like getting blood out of a stone for most of the game.Gareth Evans, London | I have never read so much over reaction in my life! And for this to come from england who are quite happy to boo oppositon kickers is even more hilarious. I agree with the lad who said about the hatred, it is so intense when it comes to rugby between these two nations. It never ceases to amaze me how little noise 73,000 people can make so at least when they boo they are trying to get involved. Compatring to football supporters is just snobbery, in terms of noise levels rugby doesn't even come close. It it wasn't for the kind of people that booed Toby Flood there really would be no atmosphere at all in the stadium. It was like getting blood out of a stone for most of the game.Gareth Evans, London |
| I think booing the players comming out of the tunnel is a bit OTT. People should be screamin with pride, and letting them know they are entering the dragons den.... That would be intimidating enough. As for the booing, are you sure it was the booing or the biased ref that caused England to lose? 8 yellow cards in 3 games with 3 different refs says it all if u ask me. Gavin, Swansea, Wales | I think booing the players comming out of the tunnel is a bit OTT. People should be screamin with pride, and letting them know they are entering the dragons den.... That would be intimidating enough. As for the booing, are you sure it was the booing or the biased ref that caused England to lose? 8 yellow cards in 3 games with 3 different refs says it all if u ask me. Gavin, Swansea, Wales |