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Welsh fans told to keep quiet
12/03/2008 20:20 - (SA)
Cardiff - Welsh rugby bosses have pleaded with their fans to observe one of the sport's oldest courtesies by not shouting out when goal kicks are being taken by French players during Saturday's Six Nations Grand Slam clash here at the Millennium Stadium.
Victory for Wales, the only unbeaten side in this year's Championship, would give them a Grand Slam and cap a remarkable first season under New Zealander Warren Gatland.
Title-holders France need to win by at least 19 points to deprive the home side of the title and that would appear to require their goalkickers being spot-on in the Welsh capital.
Rugby Union has traditionally prided itself on the fact that crowds have gone quiet while a goal-kick is being taken by a player from either side.
Many of the sport's fans compare this practice favourably with that in football where penalty-takers are routinely subjected to cat-calls from hostile crowds which, unlike those at rugby matches, see supporters of rival teams subject to strict segregation within grounds.
But it has become increasingly common to hear opposition players booed while attempting a penalty or a conversion at club and international rugby matches, with Ireland one of the few major countries where most kicks still take place in relative silence.
Not cast in an unsporting light
And with Saturday's match set to be broadcast to a worldwide television audience, Welsh officials are keen to ensure their fans are not cast in an unsporting light.
Before kick-off, public address announcements will be made reminding supporters to remain quiet while goal-kicks are being taken.
"Our rugby supporters enjoy a worldwide reputation for being knowledgeable and courteous to visitors and we do not want a few people to tarnish that," Millennium stadium manager Gerry Toms said on Wednesday.
"Welsh fans are right to be passionate supporters of the team but that has to be tempered with good manners before, during and after matches.
"In some games we have noticed that a small element in the crowd want to shout or call out when the kicks are taking place and what we are doing now is reminding people there is no place for that in rugby.
"The more mature supporters should know what is expected and we want to take this opportunity to ensure that any newcomers to the stadium understand the level of fair play we expect from supporters."
He added: "The typical Wales supporter is passionate and certainly knows how to celebrate but it is always fantastic to see the camaraderie which exists between the home and away fans at all rugby matches."
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