BBC fires back after presenter left in tears

The BBC has condemned online abuse of Six Nations rugby presenter Sonja McLaughlan after she was reduced to tears by trolls.

McLaughlan conducted robust post-match interviews with England captain Owen Farrell and coach Eddie Jones after a Test defeat to Wales over the weekend.

Far from the soft interviews often produced on-field straight after the final whistle, McLaughlan asked assertive questions about poor refereeing and England's ill-discipline. Farrell in particular appeared uncomfortable with the questions and became increasingly evasive with his answers.

McLaughlan was met with a torrent of abuse on social media, which she said had left her in tears.

https://twitter.com/Sonjamclaughlan/status/1365757473462829066?s=20

BBC Sport responded with a statement supporting McLaughlan and denouncing her abusers.

"BBC Sport strongly condemns the online abuse experienced by Sonja McLaughlan after the Wales v England match," it said.

"Sonja has long been a key member of our Six Nations team and she absolutely has our full support."

England Rugby also released a statement of support for McLaughlan, saying, "Abuse for doing your job is not OK and we stand with you".

https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1365899635982753792?s=20

Former England international Ugo Monye quickly offered McLaughlan a message of support, as did the official Twitter account of Six Nations Rugby.

Leading sports broadcaster Alison Mitchell has backed McLaughlan, as has high-profile sports writer Oliver Holt.

https://twitter.com/AlisonMitchell/status/1366129852273758209?s=20https://twitter.com/OllieHolt22/status/1365832151120424965?s=20

Here is McLaughlan's interview with Farrell in the wake of a 40-024 defeat, launched with the question: "Owen, were England robbed by some poor officiating tonight?"

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1365738073556987906?s=20

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