Top English referee Wayne Barnes has revealed he was ready to quit after officiating France’s Test against South Africa
The whistleblower, regarded as one of the top referees in the world, made the headlines after officiating France’s 30-26 win over the Springboks in November.
“Criticism on social media quickly becomes abuse,” Barnes told The Good, the Bad, the Rugby.
“That is the world we live in. That is social media. But I make the decision to be a referee, make the decision to be on social media. Polly, my wife, doesn’t make the decision to be a referee.
“On the Saturday night, there started to be some direct abuse at Polly. And then, the following two or three days, there was direct abuse to Polly. Threats of sexual violence and threats against the kids.
“To Polly and to me, direct threats about our kids. That takes it to a different level.
“When you’ve done 100 games, you’ve got a lot of experience, you think you can prepare for most things. You can’t prepare for that.
“When I said it’s been a s***** couple of weeks, it’s been a s***** couple of weeks.
“It wasn’t even a line that was crossed, you’ve gone so far beyond it you can’t even see the line.
“I sacrifice, but it’s a family sacrifice and you do think, ‘I’ve got this other decent job to go to. I’m a partner at a law firm and they’re keen for me to come back full-time’,”
Wayne Barnes ranks the five toughest players to referee
#5. Joe Marler (England)
Joe Marler facts:
- Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
- After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
- He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
- Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
- He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce