FFR president Florian Grill addresses French public on social media

The president of Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) – Florian Grill – has implored France’s rugby public not to go down the route of criticising referees in the wake of defeats.

New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe has received a torrent of public recriminations in recent weeks, mostly notably in the aftermath of France’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa.

When O’Keeffe was introduced on the big screen at the Stade de France just prior to the semi-final between England and South Africa, he was roundly booed by the many French fans that were in attendance.

Forwards coach Jason Ryan talks about the motivation they get from the retiring All Black legends

Forwards coach Jason Ryan talks about the motivation they get from the retiring All Black legends

Grill has implored the French public not to go down this route.

“If I allow myself to address you it is for an essential point,” wrote Grill on Facebook. “If we must fight for France to have influence within World Rugby, we must put an end to the negative comments about referees. Firstly because the referee is, like a player, fallible.

“Then because we have 2700 referees in France and we would need 3300 to cover all the matches. Accept that people say bad things about referees, open this Pandora’s box means taking the risk of no longer having them, because they will no longer go on the field.

“Talking only about the referee prevents us from analyzing the reality of the match with lucidity. If you are like me convinced of all this, despite the sadness of our defeat, do not hesitate to comment on the subject. Defending referees and respect, even in the disappointment that is ours, is defending rugby.”