Shropshire Star

Powys police to probe referee Twitter abuse

Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating alleged homophobic remarks posted on Twitter towards rugby referee Nigel Owens, following his refereeing of the England v France rugby international at Twickenham on Saturday.

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A statement by the force said: "Police have launched an investigation into alleged homophobic remarks posted on Twitter which were directed towards rugby referee Nigel Owens.

"This follows a number of complaints made by members of the public.

"The tweet concerned has now been removed from the page. The investigation is at an early stage."

Fans leapt to the defence of Mr Owens following the tweet, which came from an account in Wales.

Mr Owens, who earlier this year was guest speaker at a sportsman's dinner in Oswestry, told fans on the eve the thrilling Six Nations decider to feel free to abuse his refereeing but not his sexuality.

Mr Owens told rugby fans: "If you are shouting things that are unacceptable about me, it does not really bother me because I won't hear it, but there could be somebody sitting around them who is dealing with issues in their life and is finding things difficult and to hear these people shouting sometimes can be enough to tip somebody over the edge."

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