Andrew Brace has been reassigned for next week’s Heineken Champions Cup action after he received a torrent of social media abuse.
The 32-year old official was reportedly tagged in a number of derogatory posts on Twitter, while some even allegedly posted disparaging remarks alongside the obituary of his late father.
European rugby bosses have subsequently decided it would not be appropriate for Brace to take charge of the game being staged in France on Sunday week. Mike Adamson is now set to take his place.
The European chiefs stressed, however, they rated the Welshman as “a highly-talented match official” and that this action was being taken for his own good.
Fans were disgusted by the whole situation. Here’s what some have had to say on Twitter:
Curry twins pick their sensational all-time back-row
Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England)
The flanker was “first on the team-sheet,” according to Martin Johnson and Sir Clive Woodward. Praised by Jeremy Guscott for his “work rate”, it is no wonder the forward scored so many points.
TC: “I have to go Hilly. As a mentor growing up from 15 he has to be in our team. His reputation and how good he was as a player, I think he’d be really fun to play with.”