Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'It was quite scary' - Vunipola confronted by fan

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Saturday, 20 April 2019 11:17

Billy Vunipola says being confronted by a Munster fan after Saracens' Champions Cup semi-final win was "quite scary".

The Sarries and England forward, 26, was booed throughout, scored a late try and was named man of the match in the 32-16 win at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

He was warned by his club and the Rugby Football Union this week for defending Israel Folau's social media post in which he said "hell awaits" gay people.

"People say I put my foot in it so I have to deal with it," Vunipola said.

The number eight told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not something I'm afraid of. I probably have to expect that it's going to keep happening.

"It was quite a motivating factor that people were booing me. I wanted to back up my words and show my team-mates that I did not mean to distract them."

The fan who confronted Vunipola was quickly led away by stewards.

European Professional Club Rugby, the tournament organisers, said: "Following the regrettable incident at the Ricoh Arena, the spectator in question is currently being detained by the stadium authorities."

Last week Vunipola was criticised for 'liking' an Instagram post from Australia winger Folau which warned gay people that hell awaited them unless they repented.

Folau later had his contract cancelled by Rugby Australia.

Vunipola defended his views, writing on Instagram: "There just comes a point when you insult what I grew up believing in that you just say enough is enough. Man was made for woman to procreate, that was the goal no?"

Vunipola said after the game on Saturday: "It was probably insensitive, but also something I strongly believe in.

"I'll probably not be as honest as I have been about things that probably hurt a lot of people. I know that now.

"I'm not going to change the happy-go-lucky person I am. My faith is what got me to this position. It's something I'll stick by.

"It's been awesome having friends supporting me, whether they agree with me or not."

Read 2836 times

Soccer

Free agent Ebobisse signs 3-year deal with LAFC

Free agent Ebobisse signs 3-year deal with LAFC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLAFC signed striker Jeremy Ebobisse to a three-year contract with a...

Five sentenced after Ajax, Maccabi fan clash

Five sentenced after Ajax, Maccabi fan clash

EmailPrintAn Amsterdam District Court Tuesday sentenced five men to up to six months in prison on Tu...

Pep: City must use struggling Haaland better

Pep: City must use struggling Haaland better

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended star striker Erl...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Heat's Smith has torn Achilles tendon

Sources: Heat's Smith has torn Achilles tendon

EmailPrintMiami Heat guard Dru Smith has suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, sources told...

Zion eyeing return to full practice next week

Zion eyeing return to full practice next week

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsZion Williamson has begun the conditioning phase of his rehab from...

Baseball

Trading for a superstar -- and then dealing away an MVP? What to make of Cubs' confusing offseason

Trading for a superstar -- and then dealing away an MVP? What to make of Cubs' confusing offseason

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- For consecutive offseasons, the Chicago Cubs have given...

MLB, umpires reach tentative deal for new CBA

MLB, umpires reach tentative deal for new CBA

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMajor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Umpires Associa...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated