New Zealand Police Investigate Death Threats Against Rugby World Cup Referees
21 verified social media accounts originating in New Zealand sent threats or abuse to Rugby match officials during the tournament. These alleged breaches of New Zealand’s Harmful Digital Communications Act have prompted law enforcement to take action.
Picture credit: The Telegraph
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New Zealand police have launched an investigation into alleged death threats made against referees involved in the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France. Detective Inspector Stuart Mills, the acting director of the National Criminal Investigations Group, confirmed that three complaints have been received from World Rugby regarding these threats.
According to reports from World Rugby, 21 verified social media accounts originating in New Zealand sent threats or abuse to match officials during the tournament. These alleged breaches of New Zealand’s Harmful Digital Communications Act have prompted law enforcement to take action.
An Australian man has already been charged in connection with the case and is scheduled to appear in court in the coming days. Meanwhile, World Rugby has revealed that eight match officials and 49 players received online abuse during or after the tournament.
The concerning nature of these incidents has led World Rugby to collaborate with law enforcement authorities in South Africa, France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to prosecute those responsible for the threats and abuse. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for swift and decisive action.