World's best ref retires

[sockwithaticket]

Best ref in the world and has been for some time. He'll be missed.

[BnM]

[Sards]

Don't blame him. I wouldn't accept all the abuse he has taken

[Tichtheid]

Best of luck to him.

[SaintK]

Excellent referee. He will be missed.

[inactionman]

Seems a pretty likeable chap off the pitch as well - self-effacing and personable.

Best of luck to him.

[Slick]

Yup, will be missed. Best of luck to him, he has been great

[Glaston]

“What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k---heads”,
“See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”

recently posted by his wife


Not surprised he has quit, he will be missed.

[Guy Smiley]

“What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k---heads”,
“See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”

recently posted by his wife


Not surprised he has quit, he will be missed.

That's a horrible shame, a stain on rugby that 'fans' think that's how to behave.

111 caps is a massive achievement, something he can be truly proud of.

[Slick]

“What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k---heads”,
“See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”

recently posted by his wife


Not surprised he has quit, he will be missed.

That's a horrible shame, a stain on rugby that 'fans' think that's how to behave.

111 caps is a massive achievement, something he can be truly proud of.

Just seen an interview with Steve Thompson saying he got death threats and messages wishing his children would die when he started his case. What the fuck is wrong with people

[Sandstorm]

A lot unfortunately

[OomStruisbaai]

The guardian

World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes wants action on ‘vile’ social media abuse
Retiring referee’s wife and children have been threatened
‘I want legislation of what social media sites can do to prevent it’

The Rugby World Cup final referee, Wayne Barnes, has described social media abuse towards him and his family as “vile” and called for online trolls to be held to account.

The 44-year-old English official’s last match was one of his most challenging, with Barnes showing the first red card in a men’s World Cup final to the New Zealand captain, Sam Cane, during South Africa’s 12-11 victory in Paris. It was among a number of contentious decisions made by Barnes, who announced his retirement five days later having taken charge of a record 111 Tests.

“When people make threats against your wife and kids, they should be held to account and punished,” Barnes said in an interview with BBC Sport. “Threats of sexual violence, threats of saying we know where you live. It crosses that line.”

Barnes feels maintaining a social media presence was important for him to promote charitable work and also to explain officiating decisions, but accepted with that “comes the ability for people to send messages of hate and violence”.

He said: “If you’re a fan at your local rugby club and you’re sending vile messages to people’s families and making threats, why should you be able to be involved in the rugby family?

“I want prosecuting agencies to consider ways of doing that [tackling online abuse]. I want legislation of what social media sites can do to prevent it and I also want governing bodies to consider what they can do.”

[Blackmac]

It's just part of the general degradation in societies values. Latterly my officers were responsible for assessing the threats and abuse that the First Minister was getting. The volume was astonishing and because of that we had to set the actionable bar quite high. It was insane what people felt was acceptable to say and then when they did get the knock at the door it was all "but it was just a bit of banter". Often otherwise respectable people as well.

[Sandstorm]

It's just part of the general degradation in societies values. Latterly my officers were responsible for assessing the threats and abuse that the First Minister was getting. The volume was astonishing and because of that we had to set the actionable bar quite high. It was insane what people felt was acceptable to say and then when they did get the knock at the door it was all "but it was just a bit of banter". Often otherwise respectable people as well.

Name and shame them in the press every month. I know my boss would sack me if I threatened someone’s wife on Bookface.

[Muttonbird]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

[Punter15]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

In other words, he didn’t let your boys get away with the cynical ‘street smarts’ that other refs were too scared to call.

[sockwithaticket]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You gave us Steve Walsh. Sit down and shut up.

[Slick]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

[OomStruisbaai]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

No need to swear at Mutton. Get a grip.

[Sandstorm]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

Holy crap

[Lobby]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

I think its his IQ rather than his age.

[Muttonbird]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

If you are not already 54, you will be one day soon and no better than you are now. I hope you are looking forward to it.

[Slick]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

You are 54, jesus

If you are not already 54, you will be one day soon and no better than you are now. I hope you are looking forward to it.

Maybe, but I'm better than I was at 15

[SaintK]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

Through one eye all your life. You're no more a "real" rugby fan than the whining piece of shit you come over as.

[Biffer]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

54 with the surly attitude of a teenager. Try looking in a mirror when it comes to afflictions on the game.

[Blackmac]

You are 54, jesus

If you are not already 54, you will be one day soon and no better than you are now. I hope you are looking forward to it.

Maybe, but I'm better than I was at 15

I don't think we have to look far to find where some of the death threats came from.

[Enzedder]

I wonder if he checked with the TMO before he made his decision.

As for the abuse, the Poms taught us how to do that with Walsh and André Watson.

[SaintK]

I wonder if he checked with the TMO before he made his decision.

As for the abuse, the Poms taught us how to do that with Walsh and André Watson.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

[Enzedder]

I wonder if he checked with the TMO before he made his decision.

As for the abuse, the Poms taught us how to do that with Walsh and André Watson.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

[PCPhil]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

So do you think the abuse he, his wife and family got was fine?

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Outstandingly good referee, from a reading the game standpoint, laws of the game and communication. He will be hugely missed, but many thanks to him for his exceptional service to the game and one wishes naught but good things for him and his family.

Actually too, what an amazing career as a ref, quite exceptional. A very fitting finale indeed

[Muttonbird]

Wayne Barnes was a terrible ref. Always attracted controversy which is not what us ordinary punters want or what a ref should aspire to. Barnes aspired to controversy though. For some reason he felt controversy was good for the game.

Barnes cunted the All Blacks at the beginning of his shithouse career, and at the end of it. 2007 by lack of technology and 2023 by too much. Could not have been scripted better.

Wanker, fuck off mate you will not be missed by real rugby fans. I'm 54 and have been watching the ABs for nearly 50 years, most times in the dead of the night with my old dad, and Wayne Barnes is the worst affliction on the game I have witnessed in that time.

So do you think the abuse he, his wife and family got was fine?

No, but Barnes, now finally retired, was nowhere near the ref Nigel Owens was. He bottled that final. Yes, the tech didn't help but for a man that loves to be in charge, he was not in charge.

He deserves criticism for that, his family no.

[Kiwias]

Outstandingly good referee, from a reading the game standpoint, laws of the game and communication. He will be hugely missed, but many thanks to him for his exceptional service to the game and one wishes naught but good things for him and his family.

Actually too, what an amazing career as a ref, quite exceptional. A very fitting finale indeed

An excellent comment, exactly what I intended to say but you have said it better.

[Grandpa]

Great ref... as an All Black supporter I only remember one poor game (the first one) from him. Since then... along with Nigel Owens, the best ref I have seen. It's disgraceful the way NZ and SA fans (and coaches) have treated him. Same goes for the abuse of other refs involved in big games... we're gonna need AI refs soon as no human will want to do it...

[Enzedder]

Although, he does make some blunders still

World Rugby concedes All Blacks' disallowed try in Rugby World Cup final should have stood

[Insane_Homer]

Although, he does make some blunders still

World Rugby concedes All Blacks' disallowed try in Rugby World Cup final should have stood

[Tichtheid]

To be fair, it says in the article that the TMO called that one, not Barnes, though it could be argued that Barnes should have asked how many phases were between the knock on and the try. Having said that, I think referees have enough on their plate without being let down by their colleagues, the TMO should have checked that before alerting the referee.

This is a bugbear of mine, TMOs getting involved in infringements many phases after the event, I've been looking for what the actual protocol is, so it's good to see that WR have come out and said two phases

[Sandstorm]

Although, he does make some blunders still

World Rugby concedes All Blacks' disallowed try in Rugby World Cup final should have stood

Only the third thread they’ve posted that on today.

[Margin__Walker]

To be fair, it says in the article that the TMO called that one, not Barnes, though it could be argued that Barnes should have asked how many phases were between the knock on and the try. Having said that, I think referees have enough on their plate without being let down by their colleagues, the TMO should have checked that before alerting the referee.

This is a bugbear of mine, TMOs getting involved in infringements many phases after the event, I've been looking for what the actual protocol is, so it's good to see that WR have come out and said two phases

Mine too. We need to get things right when it comes to serious foul play and scoring moves, but when we get to pulling up knock ons at the base or forward passes a minute or two before a try, it gets a bit silly.

Even foul play should have to be yellow card worth imo if you're going a long way back. There was a try disallowed in the Stormers LI game last season where Will Joseph gave a Stormers player a small push off the ball when contesting a high ball. Both players on the ground and not dangerous, but definitely a pen if the ref had seen it. He didn't and the game player on for a few minutes over 10-15 phases and LI score, only for it to be brought back for the original push by the TMO because it was 'foul play'

Agree though that in this case it should be on the TMO rather than the ref to be responsible for checking phases if he's intervening like this.

[Sandstorm]

To be fair, it says in the article that the TMO called that one, not Barnes, though it could be argued that Barnes should have asked how many phases were between the knock on and the try. Having said that, I think referees have enough on their plate without being let down by their colleagues, the TMO should have checked that before alerting the referee.

This is a bugbear of mine, TMOs getting involved in infringements many phases after the event, I've been looking for what the actual protocol is, so it's good to see that WR have come out and said two phases

Mine too. We need to get things right when it comes to serious foul play and scoring moves, but when we get to pulling up knock ons at the base or forward passes a minute or two before a try, it gets a bit silly.

Even foul play should have to be yellow card worth imo if you're going a long way back. There was a try disallowed in the Stormers LI game last season where Will Joseph gave a Stormers player a small push off the ball when contesting a high ball. Both players on the ground and not dangerous, but definitely a pen if the ref had seen it. He didn't and the game player on for a few minutes over 10-15 phases and LI score, only for it to be brought back for the original push by the TMO because it was 'foul play'

Agree though that in this case it should be on the TMO rather than the ref to be responsible for checking phases if he's intervening like this.

So you agree the push was a foul and if the try had happened after just two phases, you’d be happy with the TMO intervention?