Target of insults on social networks, Welsh rear Liam Williams defended by the Welsh and French federations

A disturbing drift.

Which illustrates, once again, the courage that reigns when we take refuge behind anonymity on social networks.

At the end of the defeat of Wales in the last moments against France (32-30), the players of the XV du Leek were widely insulted and threatened on the networks, mainly Twitter.

Target of this anger (stupidity), the back Liam Williams, who received a yellow card in the 74th minute of the match and who would have precipitated the backhand of his family.

The Saracens player, considered one of the best in the world at his post, then received loads of insults, necessarily on condition of anonymity ...

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XV of France, a little, a lot, madly

Faced with the magnitude of this surge of hatred, the Welsh Rugby Union posted a message on Twitter to put an end to these insults and threats, publishing an anthology of these courageous messages.

“The players are proud to represent their country and their jersey.

The abuse suffered by players must stop, ”writes the WRU.

In the process, the FFR responded to this message: “All our support dear friends… This is not the true spirit of sport and it must stop.

Congratulations on your superb performance. ”

All our support dear friends ...

This is not the true spirit of sport and this has to stop.

Congratulation again on the great performance of your team yesterday.

- France Rugby (@FranceRugby) March 21, 2021

"What a stupid thing !

All my support for Liam Williams ”

Thierry Dusautoir

Same indignation on the side of the organizers of the Tournament who, via their Twitter account, said: “It's so disappointing to see this after such an incredible day of rugby.

The players give it their all, representing their teams with pride and bringing pleasure to millions of supporters. ”

The former captain of the XV of France, Thierry Dusautoir, also reacted.

"What a stupid thing !

All my support for Liam Williams, ”the“ Dark Destroyer ”tweeted. 

Englishman Ellis Genge also threatened at the start of the tournament

This is not the first time during this Tournament that a player has been the target of a surge of hatred on social networks.

In early March, after the heavy defeat of England in Wales, the pillar of the XV of the Rose, Ellis Genge, revealed on

Twitter that he

had received death threats.

He was criticized for not having applauded the Welsh during the guard of honor at the end of the match.

“I don't know why I'm not applauding in this tunnel.

I must be in deep thought.

The greatest respect for the Welsh.

As for keyboard warriors who send death threats… ”he tweeted. 

In the process, the English Federation (RFU) had been forced to react via a statement by giving all its support to the pillar of Leicester.

“Respect is a fundamental value of rugby.

Yesterday we lost to Wales who deserved their victory.

Unfortunately, some of the reactions on social media towards the players and the team did not show the level of respect that the rugby community is proud of.

We will support our players and our team against online abuse and hope that true rugby fans will be on our side, ”the RFU said.

Rugby is unfortunately not immune to the stupidity of some ...

Incredibly disappointing to see after such an amazing day of rugby.

The players give it everything they have, representing their teams with pride and entertaining millions of fans. # GuinnessSixNations

- Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 21, 2021

But what nonsense ‍♂️ !!!!

All my support @SanjayWillshttps: //t.co/MOl0ssa4xA

- Thierry Dusautoir (@TitiDusautoir) March 21, 2021

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