England prop Ellis Genge says he’s received death threats after that video of him not clapping Wales off the field circulated on social media.
The prop was heavily involved in the action after coming on as a replacement in the 40-24 defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, giving away a crucial penalty late on that allowed Callum Sheedy to extend the home side's lead.
However, it was his actions after the final whistle that appears to have upset many on social media.
A video posted on Twitter shows his England teammates clapping Welsh players off the pitch following the final whistle, but the Leicester loosehead appears not to be taking part.
Some, including former players, were critical of Genge, but the England star has responded by revealing that he's had death threats over the footage.
He tweeted: "Don’t know why I’m not clapping in that tunnel must be deep in thought, utmost respect for the Welsh. As for keyboard warriors sending death threats etc....", accompanied by a video of MMA champion Khabib Nurmagomedov saying ‘send me location’.
Genge’s death threats were just the latest unsavoury example of social media abuse following the weekend’s rugby.
BBC presenter Sonja McLaughlan was left in tears after her post-match interviews were derided online by a minority of angry fans.
“Toxic, embarrassing, disgraceful, appalling. Just some of the feedback I’ve had,” McLaughlan wrote on Twitter. “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.”
That resulted in the BBC, the Six Nations and England Rugby all stepping in to condemn the abuse she suffered.
