‘It should leave people feeling cold’ – Owen Farrell decision a stark reminder of impact of social media abuse
England skipper Owen Farrell looks on.
The rugby community has come out in support of England captain Owen Farrell and described it as a “wake up call” for the sport.
Following over a decade at the top level of the game, and all the scrutiny that has come with it, the 32-year-old has decided to take a break from the Test arena.
Farrell has been a constant target for trolls on social media and many feel that it is the reason he has decided to take a step back.
“Should leave people feeling cold”
“For someone who palpably loves representing England as much as Owen Farrell to voluntarily step away from doing so should reinforce what he’s had to confront and absorb, some of which has been appalling. Frankly, it should leave people feeling pretty cold,” Telegraph journalist Charlie Morgan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Think the heat copped by Farrell individually has been genuinely unprecedented in rugby union as far as its scale and relentlessness.
“Other factors at play but that’s largely because of what social media has become and because of how long he’s copped it for.”
Farrell was also praised for his bravery in admitting his struggles and taking the right decision for both him and his family.
“It takes massive amounts of courage to admit you are struggling and to step away from something you love,” broadcaster Stella Mills wrote.
“I hope those who have served up unnecessary criticism are thinking twice today. Rugby is a tough enough sport on the pitch, we don’t need to make it worse off the pitch.
“A player like Owen Farrell stepping away from the international game to protect his own mental health is a huge wake up call for this sport.
“So often we talk about the values we have in rugby, but something is clearly broken in the system.”
Concerning trend
Social media abuse is becoming increasingly common, with Wayne Barnes and Cobus Reinach recent high profile examples.
It is obviously causing the victims great distress to the extent that they are sometimes – as in Farrell’s case – forced to step away to protect their mental health.
That harms the individual but also the sport, who will not see one of the best players in the world competing in the 2024 Six Nations due to actions of a mindless few.
“Owen Farrell, Wayne Barnes and others…worrying signs when the best in our game are needing a break or leaving the game completely due in large to how they are treated & online abuse. A reminder to us all that we can all be better, treat others how you would want to be treated,” former Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui wrote.
Meanwhile, Times journalist Will Kelleher added: “Owen Farrell’s idiotic abusers have won on shameful day for rugby.
“Drunken fools and keyboard warriors have made playing for England more trouble than it is worth – a terrible look for a sport that prides itself on respect.”
Farrell’s dad is the current head coach of Ireland and Progressive Rugby reminded their followers of Andy’s passionate defence of his son.
His comments came ahead of the Irishmen’s World Cup warm-up against England, where the build-up had been dominated by Owen’s red card against Wales.
“The warning was there,” they wrote.
“Andy Farrell was explicit that the personal attacks on Owen Farrell prior to RWC2023 were having a profound impact ‘not just on the professional player, but the families and the human side that goes with it.’
“Referee and player abuse has to stop.”
Abusing your own
It is not just fans from other countries who have attacked Farrell but he has also often been a target for his own supporters.
Despite achieving an incredible amount in the game, including three Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam and a second and third at the Rugby World Cups, he has come in for an intense amount of criticism from England followers.
“Owen Farrell might be the greatest player England have ever had, and the way he’s been treated by his own fans, his entire career, has always been nothing short of absurd,” Squidge Rugby wrote.
“Good on him (for taking a break), and I hope he comes back stronger and hungrier than ever,”
