The most recent match for Wayne Barnes was one of his most tough. In New Zealand’s 12-11 loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final, he issued the first red card to captain Sam Cane. Following the defeat, New Zealand fans began cursing the 44-year-old referee.
Barnes announced his retirement from officiating a few days later. Wayne has spoken out against social media abuse, branding it ‘evil’ and urging that it be stopped. According to him, “When people make threats against your wife and kids, they should be held accountable and punished.”
“Threats of sexual violence, threats of saying we know where you live,” Barnes went on to claim. It goes over that line.” Wayne also claims to use social media to promote charitable work and officiating, emphasizing the hardships of the job and humanizing it. He went on to explain that, “I make that choice, and with that choice comes the ability for people to send messages of hate and violence.” Barnes hopes that his experience and retirement can be of assistance to the next generation of referees who face similar challenges.
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