Rugby fans all over the world have slammed officials for fining England over their “Flying V” haka stand-off in the World Cup semi final against New Zealand.
The English team made international headlines before taking a 19-7 victory against the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup, with an act of defiance to the Kiwis’ traditional war dance.
England’s players were warned to move back into their own half at the time but the scenes were described on the official Twitter page of the Rugby World Cup as an “incredible response”.
Fans flooded social media to hail the English players for their unique response to the haka that saw several players stand inside New Zealand’s half – an unconventional move.
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In a surprising twist, World Rugby has fined England over the incident for breaking regulations about crossing the halfway line during the haka.
The fine is reportedly less than the roughly $3200 France were hit with for their infamous 2011 haka challenge before the World Cup final in Auckland, New Zealand.
While the sum is seemingly meagre, fans have erupted in anger as many believe World Rugby is hypocritical.
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As controversial as England’s punishment is, Saturday night’s World Cup final against South Africa will proceed with hopefully little interruption.
