Two fans banned from Twickenham for aiming anti-gay abuse at rugby referee

Image: Punished: Two fans have been banned from attending Twickenham matches following an investigation into anti-gay abuse

Two fans have been banned from all matches at Twickenham for two years following an investigation into anti-gay abuse aimed at referee Nigel Owens during a game.

The abuse occurred during the Test match between England and New Zealand, at Twickenham, on November 8 and came to light in a letter from a spectator published by The Guardian.            

The RFU said the two people will pay £1,000 to a charity of Owens' choice.

Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the RFU, said: "While instances of this nature are exceptionally rare, the RFU takes rugby's values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship very seriously".                

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Owens, who is gay, is widely regarded as one of rugby's top referees.

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