English referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement from officiating rugby matches. Barnes, who officiated in the Rugby World Cup final, becomes only the second Englishman to achieve this feat. The retirement comes after Barnes received online abuse and death threats following his performance in the final. Ex-referee Nigel Owens has criticized the abuse as 'disgraceful'.
Gary O'Neil warns referees to 'be careful' as Anthony Taylor is demoted for Newcastle error More here 👇 https://t.co/K9w9TGO333
"I think he is an atrocious referee!" 🤬 "He has proved to us that he isn't capable at the top level!" 😤 "I think there needs to be an element of jeopardy!" 🤔 Rory Jennings slams referee Anthony Taylor and agrees with the decision to demote him to the Championship 😳 https://t.co/p6KAVdg9iW
EXCLUSIVE: Ex-referee Nigel Owens hits out at 'disgraceful' online abuse following Wayne Barnes's decision to RETIRE just days after receiving death threats for his performance in the Rugby World Cup final https://t.co/BKnaHrA8vB https://t.co/jzhqQ3F6tZ
After finally achieving rugby’s ultimate accolade, @WayneBarnesRef has called time on his unparalleled career 👏 Read more here ⬇️
Referee Wayne Barnes has blown the whistle on his record-breaking career 🙌 🌟 Congratulations @WayneBarnesRef 👏 https://t.co/yBPLnqnZs2
Happy retirement to @WayneBarnesRef 👏 Only the second Englishman to officiate a World Cup final. https://t.co/TNYYMpNCve