Scarlets have launched an investigation into the verbal abuse of Ross Moriarty’s 13-year-old cousin at their New Year’s Day game against the Dragons.
The Wales forward revealed on Instagram that his cousin was targeted by home fans when she tried to defend him during the United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.
The incident occurred following a flashpoint involving Scarlets number eight Sione Kalamafoni, who clashed with Dragons opposite number Moriarty in the first period.
Line crossed by fans
“I do not mind the abuse I receive online, or on a rugby pitch from fans there will always be 2 sides, but to learn that on the weekend my little cousin, who is 13 had grown men screaming in her face for asking them to stop abusing me verbally that does not sit right with me or should not sit right at any sports ground,” Moriarty said on social media.
“That is a line I really hope people should not think is right to cross.”
Scarlets issued a response on their official website on Thursday and have urged the girl’s family to contact the Welsh region so that they can look into what happened.
“We are extremely disappointed to read of the incident involving Ross Moriarty’s cousin,” the club said in a statement.
“We work extremely hard with our supporters’ organisations Crys16 and Scarlets Officials Supporters Group to create a family-friendly environment for home and away fans at Parc y Scarlets, and to hear of a young girl receiving verbal abuse from a fan is wholly unacceptable.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy to abuse of any nature at our stadium and encourage supporters to report such incidents to the club. If the family would like to get in touch with us we will investigate this further.”
Kalamafoni handed ban
On Wednesday, the disciplinary process related to Kalamafoni’s red card in the game against Dragons resulted in a two-week suspension for the Scarlets back-row.
Kalamafoni was sent off in the 32nd minute following the altercation with Moriarty, which led to the former player throwing punches at the Dragons’ number eight.
He’s now unavailable for Scarlets’ upcoming URC game against Cardiff (away) on January 7 and their Challenge Cup clash with the Cheetahs (home) on January 13.
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