Nigel Owens responds to Israel Folau and Billy Vunipola's posts

Tuesday, 16 April 2019 at 16:09

bySteven Smith

Popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens has insisted he will not treat Israel Folau or Billy Vunipola differently on the pitch despite the ongoing backlash over the former’s homophobic social media posts.

Asked if he still respects Folau, he told Talk Sport host Jim White: “I respect that somebody has the right to have that opinion, but I don’t agree with the opinion.

“I think, although everybody had the right to have his view, you then have to understand there are consequences when you express a view that can be very, very hurtful to lot of people.

“When you do cross that line of what is acceptable and what is not, particularly when you’re in a position of influence, then you have to take responsibility for your actions.

“But, look, I don’t judge people. I have a job to do on that field and I will just referee what’s in front of me and treat every player on the field the same and with respect.

“That’s all I need to do as a referee and that’s all I will ever do.

“I’ve refereed those players in the past many times and they’ve treated me with respect every time I’ve officiated them.”