Griffiths shared screenshots of homophobic abuse he received, which was condemned by the Rugby Football League.
It goes without saying that the abhorrent homophobic abuse sent to rugby league match official Marcus Griffiths following Leeds Rhinos' defeat to Huddersfield Giants was despicable. Nobody, in any walk of life, deserves to be the subject of that. It is to be hoped the culprit is identified and never allowed anywhere near rugby league ever again. Heck, you'd hope there are much more serious consequences than that.
But working in sport, one with a large audience, scrutiny and criticism is part of the job and referees should be no different to anyone else. Players are subject to ratings after almost every match, foul play and unsportsmanlike conduct is highlighted and debated by pundits each and every week. Comments from coaches and players are dissected after every interview. The idea that decisions made by match officials should be immune to that makes no sense.
The RFL's decision to not publicly address mistakes is understandable but compare it to the NRL or Premier League, where there are recent examples of swift admissions of fault, you can sympathise with the players and coaches who themselves will be subjected to undesirable comments and judgements dependent on the result at the weekend. The point is that you set an unhealthy precedent if you stop scrutinising or criticising anything in fear of fuelling mindless idiots.
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