FAN ADMITS ABUSE OF IRISH RUGBY REF
Official’s family targeted online during the World Cup
The fund organiser Emma O’Sullivan said: “There is nothing in this world that could ease the pain of losing someone like Steve.
“We just hope that we can help alleviate the financial burden for his adored little family.”
The organiser has since posted a “thank you note” from the deceased man’s family, to say: “On behalf of Caroline, Fionn, Lillie and Harper, we would like to thank every single person from the bottom of our hearts for the overwhelming support and contributions.”
GoFundMe donations can still be made online.
AN Australian fan has pleaded guilty to abusing Irish television match official referee Brian McNiece and his family on social media during the Rugby World Cup last year.
New Zealand-born Aaron Isaia (22), who lives in Brisbane, pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to menace or harass via online communication at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.
The accused sent offensive messages to both McNiece and his wife, which also mentioned their children.
Judge Shane Elliott told Isaia that “officials around the world in all different sports shouldn’t have to put up with abuse ... particularly ... aimed at family members”.
He took into account that Isaia was drunk at the time and felt remorse for his actions, as well as his clean criminal history.
Fine
World Rugby welcomed the decision to prosecute Isaia, who was handed a $1,000 (€609.50) good behaviour bond for 12 months.
The abuse of the experienced official, who is a managing director of Teneo Ireland and chairperson of the Cricket Ireland board, occurred during England’s 18-17 pool stage victory over Samoa in October.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “World Rugby welcomes this landmark outcome.
“The vile and toxic abuse is an all-too-common occurrence for many sportsmen and women and public figures, and we hope this sends a very strong message to online trolls that such behaviour is totally unacceptable.”
More prosecutions may follow after World Rugby partnered with Signify Group to monitor social media abuse of officials and players during the World Cup.
The company reported 1,600 social media accounts for breach of community guidelines during the World Cup. Gilpin praised the partnership between World Rugby and Signify Group which he said “has enabled us to focus on the insights that help us better understand the triggers, tactics and threats and how best to mitigate them”.