Rugby: Referee Ben O’Keeffe proud of public response after initial ‘unprecedented’ backlash

Kiwi rugby referee Ben O’Keeffe says he is pleased with the general public’s response after initially receiving “unprecedented” backlash for his efficiency within the Tremendous Rugby remaining.

O’Keeffe presided over the Chiefs’ defeat to the Crusaders at FMG Stadium, and was topic to loud boos all through the competition and afterwards whereas receiving his medal.

However the abuse did not cease there, with O’Keeffe the goal of demise threats on his social media, with over 200 feedback taking intention on the referee.

Whereas the preliminary response was very disappointing, he revealed his appreciation for his schools, coaches, gamers, and followers for expressing their assist for him within the following days, which he believes far outweighs the negativity.

One particularly was Clayton McMillan, with O’Keeffe beforehand telling SENZ radio of the telephone name he acquired from the Chiefs coach to check-in on him.

Since then, the general public response has largely been constructive, and as he informed AM Present host and brother Michael O’Keeffe, has began a much-needed dialog.

“I used to be fairly loopy. It was unprecedented when it comes to video games that you just do in New Zealand,” he informed AM. “Abroad, you get messages after video games, you get booed once you stroll again by the tunnel, and issues like that.

“However after that, it was so much and it was troublesome when it comes to the quantity. It was an enormous recreation, an enormous remaining, clearly folks have been passionate, however there was a line that was crossed.

“It was a troublesome one to cope with, however [in] the aftermath, I felt a little bit of duty to share that with folks,  to let folks know.

“We have been in a position to get loads of constructive suggestions afterwards, which I feel modified the sport, and loads of constructive suggestions from referees, who stated ‘thanks for sticking up for us’.

“It simply confirmed how rugby is such an awesome recreation. Everybody shortly got here out [in support]. We had gamers and coaches from New Zealand and globally.

“It was superb how far it reached, so it was good to see that behind the criticism that got here from just a few people, the bulk supported referees and see what we do for the sport.”