Crowl Wembley column - more social media misogyny

[Richard de la Riviere]

In her latest column, Channy Crowl congratulates Wigan on winning the Challenge Cup, points out what went wrong for St Helens and reflects on more post-match social-media misogyny

 

https://womensrl.com/?p=745

Edited June 11, 2025 by Richard de la Riviere

[The Blues Ox]

A lot of the abuse that I saw after this game seemed to actually be from Saints fans, its no excuse but the thought of losing to Wigan obviously runs deep and with the score been so comprehensive they stupidly decided to lash out at their own team.

Another thing that felt a little bit off was the Saints chairmans actions towards the Saints players as they collected their losers medals. There might not be anything in it but it felt a little uneasy watching it and people need to be careful of their actions when it comes to things like this.

[RigbyLuger]

Jamie Foster must want some of the anti-womens sports grift. Shame for him is most of the Saints players will be well thought of after retirement.

[gingerjon]

9 hours ago, RigbyLuger said:

Jamie Foster must want some of the anti-womens sports grift. Shame for him is most of the Saints players will be well thought of after retirement.

I haven't read the comments but people who follow sport tend to know who is speaking from a position of knowledge (and even understanding) and who isn't.

Watching that final, if you have a platform and want to make a valid point, you could talk about how well drilled Wigan are, how they are obviously fitter and appear to have a better conditioning regime, how they are playing in a way that should be the model for other teams who want to catch them.

You've made the same point. You just haven't gone: oh look at that chubby one out of breath ...

[Gerrumonside ref]

It’s not right and should not be happening that any of the Saints players should be criticised in the crass way that they have been reading the piece in the opening post.

I am a Saints fan and I haven’t seen the Saints chairman actions and missed that on the day, but I have read from people I trust on here to be even handed, that it was at best awkward viewing, even if the intentions were good.

I was a bit dismayed as well to read in the main section people calling for Wigan to be in some way penalised for raising the bar in women’s rugby league in this country. 

That to me is entirely wrongheaded on so many levels and exactly the wrong attitude to take.

Wigan are raising the bar which is fantastic especially in light of the lessons from the Las Vegas test match with Australia, it’s great for the players and coaching staff who can learn and adapt and it’s also great for fans of the sport of rugby league.

Better product, more fans, more commercial opportunities all feeding into a virtuous circle.

[RigbyLuger]

If clubs don't want to invest, those who do shouldn't be punished. (And Super League games shouldn't be played at community grounds either, but that's another debate!)