Ease up on the drink, behave with mana and enjoy the Test

Ease up on the drink, behave with a bit of mana and enjoy watching the All Blacks, hopefully, beat the English rugby team.

This is the simple but timely advice the Human Rights Commission has for New Zealand rugby fans ahead of the third and final test at Hamilton on Saturday. The first test in Auckland saw some people recount incidents of drunken, racist and sexist abuse: it ruined the night for a lot of fans including children.

“New Zealanders are good at having a go at the off field behaviour of our All Blacks but it’s time some rugby fans asked themselves: Do we need to pull our head in? Are we out of control?,” says Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

“Women and children shouldn’t feel threatened anyway – but being frightened at an All Blacks test match is pretty shameful. Fans need to ease up on the drink and the hateful abusive words and actions,” said Dr Jackie Blue, EEO Commissioner.

“It’s a small minority ruining it for others. You don’t have to be abusive, racist, sexist or drunk to be passionate about the All Blacks or about any sports team.”

The behaviour of sports fans is under the global spotlight with an anti-racism campaign being run simultaneously with the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“Winning on and off the field is what being a good sport is all about. I’m pretty sure most Kiwis know this but a few of us need to be reminded,” said Dame Susan.

“People need to ease up on the drink, behave with a bit of mana and enjoy watching the All Blacks hopefully beat the English rugby team in Hamilton on Saturday.”

ENDS

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