Samoan PM blasts officials from Scotland game

First topic message reminder :

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/samoan-pm-attacks-idiots-in-charge-of-scotland-test-1-2392639

The Samoans love a bit of controversy don't they??

“There is still an attitude of racial discrimination which exists in these guys’ mentality because of the high standard of rugby Manu Samoa has achieved and can defeat top teams like this,”

“They think they know everything and then they send idiots to officiate an important game and one of them tries to convince us in broad daylight in our own country that the ball carrier had stepped out of the field with the ball when we can all see that he left the ball in the field before he was pushed outside the field.”

“If the siren sounds and the referee continues the match unnecessarily, then a rock hitting his head would be justified.”

As for the in touch incident well I didn't see it because the camera was focused on the player heading towards the tryline, and there were no replays.

It's a shame that this has come out from what was a positive tour - can't think it helps the reputation of Samoan rugby either if they are constantly in the press for controversial claims of racism and dishonesty towards officials.

aucklandlaurie wrote: It wasnt a player it was the Prime Minister, or have i gone completely mad? not very clear at all.

I was referring to the comments that the Samoan players were talking Poopie after the Wales/South Africa games. It was EFS then. AND he got suspended from Gloucester didn't he? For Twitter rants (not related to racism claims).

Interesting article EBOP. Backs up the idea that this is just one man (which makes a grand total of 2 spouting rubbish like this). Balance that with Shwalger and Mapasua (remember reading something from him at the time).

Thunor,

I am not claiming all or indeed any Samoan person will share his belief.

Its not a racial thing against all Samoans. The head of Samoan Rugby made stupid comments. It makes Samoan Rugby look bad and the players themselves admit as much.

He has made very inappropriate comments on behalf of Samoan Rugby and it has reflected badly on Samoan Rugby as a result.

Bobby Skinstand was heavily criticised for a term he used that is deemed a racial slur on Pacific Islanders even though he wasn't aware of the gravity of what he said. He apologised afterwards saying he didn't know such terminology was racial profiling.

The above comment although not in the same league, but considering the race card has been thrown about makes these issues highly sensitive.

There is probably no real solution to this, the reality is sport is global which means players, fans etc need to be more aware of each other's cultures than ever before.

Often something can be said which although innocently uttered can be offensive.

I was told ignorance is not an excuse, however how does one know everything about every other culture?

There needs to be a modicum of leniency toward other cultures, it will go a long way to ensure people across the board don't over react to situations like this.