Rugby trolls leave BBC reporter in tears
A BBC reporter was reduced to tears by online trolls who bombarded her with abuse over her interview with the England rugby captain and coach after their Six Nations defeat to Wales.
Sonja McLaughlan spoke to Owen Farrell and Eddie Jones about controversial decisions taken by the referee in Saturday’s match. Later she tweeted: ‘Toxic, embarrassing, disgraceful, appalling. Just some of the feedback I’ve had. Thanks for using @ sign so it’s all hit home. Now imagine getting inundated with abuse for doing your job. In my car crying. Hope you’re happy.’ Using the @ sign before someone’s Twitter name sends them a notification on their phone.
Miss McLaughlan had asked Farrell if he felt poor officiating had contributed to his team’s 40-24 loss at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. She then asked him about the circumstances that led to a controversial Welsh try.
A question on what Farrell said to match referee Pascal Gauzere following the try was interrupted. Posts on social media included, ‘Sonja McLaughlan’s post game questions are delivered absolutely disgracefully’ and ‘Sonja’s interview technique has been appalling for years – and that was the worst yet.’
England Rugby and the Six Nations lent her their support on Twitter, while the BBC condemned the abuse, adding: ‘Sonja has long been a key member of our Six Nations team and she absolutely has our full support.’
After joining the BBC in the 1980s, Miss McLaughlan became the first woman to produce BBC Radio’s rugby union coverage.