England coach Eddie Jones has almost come to blows with a disgruntled Australian fan who labelled him a ‘traitor’.
The moment has made the rounds online, showing the Wallabies fan making his way up to the guard rail to confront Jones who coached Australia from 2001 to 2005.
The heckler looked intent on riling up Jones, pointing in his direction and yelling: “You’re a traitor.”
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The comment clearly got under the 62-year-old’s skin as Jones fired up and can be seen approaching the heckler while yelling back: “Come here and say it. Come here and say it. Come here and say it.”
The fan, who had clearly been egged on by some liquid courage, quickly realised his mistake as he came to terms with the fact that a former hard-hitting Randwick hooker was coming his way and was unhappy.
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The fan appeared to show all signs of concern on his face as he backed away whilst a steward held Jones back.
In a separate incident in front of the member’s area, another fan called Jones a ‘traitor’, with the coach again reacting angrily, saying: “What did you say you f***ing idiot. Go and f*** yourself mate.”
The former New South Wales representative didn’t mention the incidents after the game, however, told The Sydney Morning Herald the next day that he had been heckled by the same man at half-time and full-time.
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He said: “Clowns think they have full go to abuses coaches.”
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan condemned the behaviour of the supporter, saying: “That fan's behaviour is totally unacceptable and is not welcome at a Wallabies Test if he carries on like that.
"We should be acknowledging Eddie's achievements as a great Aussie export. There's too much tall poppy syndrome in that comment."
Many online seemed to be in agreeance with the sentiment.
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Former Wallaby Matt Giteau tweeted: “Don’t rate that supposed fan getting into Eddie Jones. It’s a poor look. I, as a proud wallaby & Australian, don’t think for one second Eddie is a traitor. He is a proud Aussie that happens to coach another national team that isn’t us. This is sport nowadays.”
Whilst Rugby analyst Sam Larner said: “No idea why people are saying Eddie Jones needs to develop a thicker skin here. Fair play for him having a crack back.”
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Following the second Test in Brisbane, Jones had claimed he took great joy out of silencing Australian fans.
He told reporters: “You have got 48,000 people all full of drink and all they want to see is their team win.
“When you turn them away, it is a great experience. A great feeling.
“I was coming out from the coaches’ box and they all have their scarves on. When did Australians start wearing scarves? It is all the rage isn’t it? They are not so smart now.
“Before the game, they are coming up saying to me: ‘You are going to get belted tonight.’ Now they are a little bit more quiet. So that’s good. I enjoy that.”
Featured Image Credit: Adam Peacock/Twitter. UK Sports Pics Ltd / Alamy.Topics: Australia, England, Rugby, Rugby Union, Rugby Australia, Wallabies
