Another blow to rugby's image

Rugby's image has taken another knock with the news that referee Willie Roos had alcohol thrown in his face by a spectator in Kimberley.

Rugby's image has taken another knock with the news that referee Willie Roos had alcohol thrown in his face by a spectator shortly after last Saturday's Currie Cup match between Griquas and the Blue Bulls in Kimberley.

The South African Referee's Association (Sara) will submit a complaint to SA Rugby concerning the incident.

After repeated warnings for infringements at the ruck, Roos dished out two yellow cards to Griquas' Jonathan Mokoena (captain and number eight) and Rohan Kitshoff (flank) in the dying minutes of Saturday's clash which swung the match in the Bulls' favour (they won 25-24 thanks to a last-minute try).

An outraged spectator, who clearly didn't agree with the ref's actions, threw brandy and Coke in Roos's face when he walked off the field.

“Incidents like these are detrimental to rugby and create a negative image,” South African manager of referees André Watson told Supersport.

Reports indicate that the infuriated spectator had also wanted to charge onto the field, but was caught in time and restrained by stadium staff after replacement loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg scored the winning try. Afterwards he disappeared amongst the throng of spectators.

“Reports will be requested from the referee, assistant referees and all officials,” said Watson, who added that the complaint will be submitted to SA Rugby's legal department on Monday.

“The union and the relevant security company will also have to submit reports about the incident. We hope to have the matter settled by Thursday.”

The Kimberley incident is the latest in string of setbacks to the game's image. Violence during club matches in Johannesburg and the Southern Cape, as well as at a school match in Roodepoort have all made headlines in recent weeks.