The BBC has condemned online abuse of Six Nations rugby presenter Sonja McLaughlan after she was reduced to tears by trolls.
McLaughlan conducted robust post-match interviews with England captain Owen Farrell and coach Eddie Jones after a Test defeat to Wales over the weekend.
Far from the soft interviews often produced on-field straight after the final whistle, McLaughlan asked assertive questions about poor refereeing and England’s ill-discipline. Farrell in particular appeared uncomfortable with the questions and became increasingly evasive with his answers.
McLaughlan was met with a torrent of abuse on social media, which she said had left her in tears.
BBC Sport responded with a statement supporting McLaughlan and denouncing her abusers.
“BBC Sport strongly condemns the online abuse experienced by Sonja McLaughlan after the Wales v England match,” it said.
“Sonja has long been a key member of our Six Nations team and she absolutely has our full support.”
England Rugby also released a statement of support for McLaughlan, saying, “Abuse for doing your job is not OK and we stand with you”.
Former England international Ugo Monye quickly offered McLaughlan a message of support, as did the official Twitter account of Six Nations Rugby.
Leading sports broadcaster Alison Mitchell has backed McLaughlan, as has high-profile sports writer Oliver Holt.
Here is McLaughlan’s interview with Farrell in the wake of a 40-024 defeat, launched with the question: “Owen, were England robbed by some poor officiating tonight?”
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