Last Friday, David Beun, referee of the Pro D2 match won on his lawn by Valence/Romans against Agen, was attacked after the match by a spectator who threw his tray of fries and his cup at him. Without bodily effects. The 25-year-old young man was arrested and later apologized, but the VRDR decided to file a complaint.
On September 13, the same David Beun officiated in Nice where the SA XV won. He had already been treated to a stormy and supervised outing from the field, violently insulted by several overheated Riviera “supporters”. As hot and aggressive as in Aurillac on August 30 and in Dax last Friday.
Two enclosures where the Angoumoisins also imposed themselves in a detestable atmosphere. And where referees and opponents alike were insulted throughout the match. Which has unfortunately become the daily life of Alexandre Ruiz and his away staff, as evidenced by the Angoumois manager (read elsewhere).
The stands are filled with hundreds of referees. Charming and welcoming on Friday in Dax before the match, the Landes public then roared for 80 minutes. Little encouragement, a lot of intolerance. “Not right!” » before each throw into touch; “cardboard!” » after each virulent tackle; “offside!” » on each defensive climb. And we move on from the insults. Far, far from the chamber.
Bullshit was not born in the 21st century
No one is spared. Last winter, we heard a thunderous “pouffiasse” coming down from the Chanzy stands aimed at the referee Aurélie Groizeleau. And five years ago, the SA
Of course, these slippages fortunately remain in the minority. And stupidity was not born in the 21ste century. We remember some memorable sequences. From a Châteaurenard – SC Angoulême from the early 1990s which ended with tear gas in the locker room corridors. With Jean-Claude Bourrier, former secretary general of the FFR and the SCA, repelling the invader with canes.
The professionalization of rugby has erased what still passed for folklore, just like the good old general brawl and the bar crawl of the third half. But the growing challenges, both human and financial, generate pressure which rubs off in the stands where the Friday evening meeting sometimes becomes a release.
Everyone must take some responsibility. Managers, staff, players, media, even referees. Awareness can only be collective so that rugby stadiums and the festive atmosphere that still makes them unique do not one day resemble football.
