Leinster have stated that they have been forced to turn off comments on their social media posts due to persistent attacks on their players and coaches.
According to the Irish province’s media and communication manager Marcus Ó Buachalla, they were forced to take action in the wake of “personal attacks on players and coaches.”
Ó Buachalla claims that the abuse has got so bad on X that for the first time in a decade, they have had to do something in order to protect the Leinster stars.
‘The wellbeing of players’
“For the first time since 2015, we’ve turned comments off some of our posts on Leinster Rugby,” he wrote on X.
“I would hate to see the reaction if we lost a game.
“Or if our Head Coach didn’t look after the wellbeing of players under his care in team selection.”
Ó Buachalla then added: “While it’s bad, Insta just as bad and getting worse. It’s just the world we live in maybe. But that doesn’t make it any easier to take/see.”
In response, some supporters contested the media manager’s post, with one claiming that Leinster “robbed” Springboks lock RG Snyman from Munster.
“Well ..robbing munster player..mr barrett joining..2 early tries by bath..i think there is pressure to win all. No pressure then,” they wrote.
Ó Buachalla duly responded: “If by robbing you mean signing a player released, then yes.
“And having released three NIQ players, we signed three NIQ players.
“But no. More so personal attacks on players and coaches in the lead up to and on match days.
“Pressure is fine. Abuse. Not so much.”
He then added a responded to another person: “In my opinion. It’s as bad as 2015. And I don’t say that lightly. If you don’t agree? That’s fine too.”
Increasing pressure on Leinster
Leinster have been the dominant force in Ireland over the past 15 years and remain one of the best sides in Europe, but they are currently on a run of four years without a trophy.
The Champions Cup has eluded them for even longer than that with their last success coming in 2018.
There have also been accusations of the Irish Rugby Football Union favouring the province with the majority of their central contracts being handed to Leinster players.
Equally, they are able to bring in elite overseas talent with Snyman, Jordie Barrett and Rabah Slimani now a key part of their squad.
Unimpressed fans have duly voiced their displeasure on social media but, according to Leinster, it has gone too far and strayed into personal abuse.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/leinster-take-action-after-players-and-coaches-subjected-to-abuse
