Video referee of the final of the Rugby World Cup between South Africa and New Zealand (12-11) Tom Foley admitted that he received death threats on social networks.

>> South Africa, the world rugby champions – a dramatic victory against New Zealand

Referee Tom Foley on threats received after Rugby World Cup final: ‘I hope your family dies in a horrific car crash’

In a podcast presented by English referee Sarah Fox, Tom Foley explained the various threats to him and his family: “I hope your family dies in a terrible car accident. I’m going to hunt you down and cut your throats.”

His children also became victims, after their school received a threatening letter, writes News.ro.

However, the video referee reassured the listeners: “Most of these things are acceptable. Many of them come from keyboard warriors. But when they have enough information to make it an issue, that’s when it becomes worrisome.”

He also returned to the risks involved in refereeing the final: “I knew refereeing a Rugby World Cup final between two teams that had been so successful, we would be criticized whether we won or lost. But none of us thought it would come to this.”

Who eventually won the Rugby World Cup

South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019, 2023)

New Zealand (1987, 2011, 2015)

Australia (1991, 1999)

England (2003).