BBC Journalist Left In “Tears” Following ‘Tough’ Owen Farrell Interview
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Tears.
BBC journalist Sonja McLaughlan says she has been left in tears following the online reaction to her “tough” interview with Owen Farrell after his side’s defeat to Wales in the Six Nations yesterday.
The England captain was very much front and centre once again yesterday as a result of his interaction with referee Pascal Gauzere following Wales’ controversial opening try.
Wales’ second try also left a bitter taste in England’s mouth with many feeling winger Lewis Rees-Zammit knocked on in the build-up.
Given the magnitude and controversy of both incidents and Farrell’s involvement and role as captain, like all good journalists – McLaughlan asked the questions that needed to be answered.
Farrell wasn’t too pleased, nor were the usual social media brigade, leaving McLaughlan in tears in her car. Have a look at the interview below and some of the comments. No need. She was doing her job, end of.
Owen Farrell says "there's no point in talking about" Wales' controversial opening try after England were beaten 40-24 in Cardiff.#sixnations #bbcrugby #WALvENG pic.twitter.com/P1rMTjdsIU
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 27, 2021
Awful interview, attempting to goad him into criticising the officials more than once. And well done to him for not doing so and still answering the questions well
— MR (@marko_richo) February 27, 2021
Tbh it was completely disrespectful by the interviewer and she clearly has no knowledge of what rugby is about. The bloke has run his arse off for 80 minutes, battered and bruised, is clearly upset and she asks him that shit. She's at it again with EJ. Shameless digging for dirt
— Eddie Williams (@3ddiew) February 27, 2021
#WALvENG Sonja McLaughlan should not be allowed to conduct post match interviews – dreadful. For once I had sympathy with OF's reaction.
— Paul Evans (@evansbach) February 27, 2021
Have a word with the person who interviews the rugby players after the game. What a terrible narrative to push and some horrific line of questioning. Credit to @AlunWynJones and Owen Darrell for rising above it. Poor from the BBC.
— A Lewis (@antz_army) February 27, 2021
But thankfully the rugby world has rallied around her.
Sonja, we are really sorry to hear this and hope you are ok.
Abuse for doing your job is not OK and we stand with you.
We will see you for the next one. Hold your head high and know you have our support.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 28, 2021
Sonja, as always you were the consummate pro.
Many forget that how difficult it is to do your role, particularly in such a highly emotional charged arena, yet you always deliver calm focus on the issues that matter.
You ask the questions that need to be asked.
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 28, 2021
Sonja, we join with the rest of the rugby community to say that this is not ok.
Respect is a value of rugby we hold in the highest regard.
Abuse of public figures or members of the media on social media or anywhere else is not acceptable.
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 27, 2021
You shouldn’t apologise for doing your job & done your job superbly well for a long time. Twitter can often be an awful beast. Safe home xxx
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) February 27, 2021
