Former Premiership referee, David Rose, with over 100 top-flight matches under his belt, has spoken out about the recent racism allegations involving former England international Ugo Monye and the Exeter Chiefs. Monye claimed he was racially abused while working as a pundit for TNT Sports during Chiefs’ Premiership win against Gloucester at Sandy Park.
Rose emphasized that rugby union cannot isolate itself from the issue of racism, asserting that the sport must take proactive measures to address it. In an interview with BBC South West, he stated, “I don’t think rugby can isolate itself from what goes on in society.”
He went on to highlight that all sports, including rugby, have their values and principles, and they often emphasize these values. However, he stressed that rugby cannot simply turn a blind eye to the realities of discrimination that exist in the wider world. “Rugby can’t isolate itself from what goes on in the rest of the world and just live in an echo chamber,” he added.
Rose pointed to social media as evidence that discriminatory views persist, even within the rugby community. He argued that the sport should not be complacent and assume that such incidents are isolated. “We can’t live in a bubble to think this doesn’t happen, and people like that aren’t within our sport,” he warned.
The incident involving Ugo Monye is currently under investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police, as well as Exeter Chiefs. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) expressed its support for Monye, describing him as a “great champion of rugby, inclusion, and diversity.”
David Rose welcomed the efforts to identify the alleged perpetrator and acknowledged the outpouring of support for Monye. However, he shared Monye’s concern that no one had spoken up or reported the incident when it occurred. “This person felt emboldened… to say what they said to a high-profile individual,” Rose remarked. He found it troubling that the individual felt confident enough to engage in such behavior.
Rose concluded by emphasizing the importance of a united and supportive response from the rugby community. “The kind of response you would expect is for people to be supportive of him and condemn the remarks made by whoever it was that made them,” he said.
In the face of this incident, David Rose’s words underscore the need for rugby union to confront racism head-on, both on and off the field. It’s a reminder that no sport is immune to the broader societal issues, and tackling discrimination must be a shared responsibility within the rugby community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Racism
What is the Ugo Monye incident in rugby union?
Former England international Ugo Monye alleged that he was racially abused at a Premiership match involving the Exeter Chiefs. Monye, who was working as a pundit for TNT Sports, claimed to have been targeted after the Chiefs’ victory over Gloucester at Sandy Park.
Who is David Rose, and what is his role in this incident?
David Rose is a former Premiership rugby referee with over 100 top-flight matches to his name. He still works as a television match official. In response to the Ugo Monye incident, Rose has spoken out, emphasizing the need for rugby union to address racism and discrimination within the sport.
What is David Rose’s opinion on racism in rugby?
David Rose believes that rugby cannot ignore the issue of racism and should take proactive steps to combat it. He argues that rugby should not isolate itself from broader societal problems and should acknowledge that discriminatory views exist even within the sport. Rose stresses the importance of addressing this issue collectively as a rugby community.
What actions have been taken regarding the Ugo Monye incident?
Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating Ugo Monye’s claims of racial abuse. The Exeter Chiefs are also conducting their own investigation into the incident. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) expressed support for Ugo Monye, highlighting his contributions to promoting inclusivity and diversity in rugby.
Why is the lack of intervention during the incident a concern?
Both Ugo Monye and David Rose expressed concern that no one challenged or reported the incident when it occurred. This lack of intervention implies that the individual responsible for the racial abuse felt emboldened and confident enough to engage in such behavior, which is troubling and highlights the need for a united and supportive response from the rugby community.
More about Rugby Racism
- BBC South West (Source of David Rose’s statements)
- Devon and Cornwall Police (For updates on the investigation)
- Exeter Chiefs (For information on their investigation)
- Rugby Football Union (RFU) (RFU’s statement on Ugo Monye and their stance on diversity and inclusion in rugby)
1 comment
omg, dis is a imp 4 rugby! Racism sux! I <3 dat David Rose spoked out! #EndRacism #Rugby4All