Ireland hooker Leah Lyons had to put up with some pretty horrific abuse from a member of the crowd.
She had a fine game as part of a dominant Irish pack and scored a 15th minute try as the women in green went onto beat Wales 35-12 at Donnybrook Stadium.
It is an absolute credit to discover that Lyons was able to focus on her job and play through some appalling abuse from the sidelines.
On Twitter, Lyons wrote:
‘Poor choice of wording from a man in the crowd [Irish] yesterday… ‘Heifer’ in relating to myself.
So after a great win yesterday, this was relayed to me.. ain’t got nothing good to say, say nothing at all #womensrugby #6nations #sillyman #notcool #IREvWAL #wrugby #thinkbeforeyouspeak pic.twitter.com/9Zg6fUMCeZ
— Leah Lyons (@LEAH__LYONZ) February 26, 2018
‘You are seated 3 rows away from my family, who heard you and surrounded by young children – girls and boys – who are all shapes and sizes.
‘No one is perfect, I realise I’m an example of that, but have a bit of respect! Good to hear that someone in the crowd gave you a flake of a flag and told you to be quiet.
‘Ain’t got nothing good to say, say nothing at all.’
It is devastating and depressing to hear that Lyons, a 24-year-old amateur player doing her best for Munster and Ireland, had to put up with such shocking abuse during a Test match, or any match.
MORE STORIES:
-
Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell go viral
-
Round 3: Six Nations team of the week
-
The latest on Ben Te’o’s future at Worcester
-
England fans rage at Nigel Owens