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World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes revealed “vile” social media abuse towards him and his family “crossed a line” and those responsible should be punished.
His wife, Polly, previously said Barnes received death threats after the match.
“When people make threats against your wife and kids, they should be held to account and punished,” Barnes said.
Barnes has taken charge of a record 111 Tests, which included officiating at five World Cups.
He showed the first-ever red card in a final to New Zealand captain Sam Cane for a high tackle as South Africa retained their title.
In his first interview since announcing his retirement, Barnes said he believed social media abuse was getting worse.
“Threats of sexual violence, threats of saying we know where you live. It crosses that line,” he told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
“Social media is getting worse and it’s the sad thing about…
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