Australian rugby referee Nic Berry has told a World Rugby hearing of the torment and “distress” caused by Rassie Erasmus’ 62-minute video takedown of rugby officials.
The decision, handed down by World Rugby’s independent panel revealed the stress the incident had placed on Berry, who had officiated in the Sprinbgboks v British and Irish Lions Test matches at the heart of Erasmus’ complaints. World Rugby said Erasmus and SA Rugby had failed to acknowledge the “human cost” of his actions.
“Needless to say, the whole situation has been an extremely difficult time for my family and I,” Berry told the panel.
Nic Berry (Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“As a match official I understand that our performances will be heavily scrutinised, especially in such a prestigious tournament. However, the public attack on my integrity and character is not something that should be tolerated in any workplace.
“I considered officiating in a Lions tour comparable with that in a World Cup. The appointment is a honour which few achieve. However, due to the actions of Mr Erasmus, my family and I have endured a significant amount of distress and we will only have negative memories of the whole experience.
“I feel that Mr Erasmus engaged in a character assassination of me on social media. I have spent many years trying to build my reputation as an international referee and in the course of his video which was posted online, Mr Erasmus has caused it immeasurable damage.
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“Though a small proportion of the rugby community will follow the outcome of this matter, and in the process obtain an accurate account of what really occurred, the wider rugby community will only be aware of me in the context of this incident.
“I feel that regardless of the outcome and any sanctions imposed, my reputation as a referee and person will forever be tarnished.”
Berry disputed Erasmus’ claims in the video of the events that occurred in the three days after the first Test.
“Throughout this whole ordeal I’ve maintained my professionalism despite being the target of an unprecedented personal attack played out in the media,” said Berry.
“I felt that Mr Erasmus’ video brought into question my professional”ism and my integrity as a match official and that there was an inference to be drawn that I was in some way cheating as an official, which is obviously completely untrue.
“My reputation throughout the rugby community has suffered immeasurably from his actions and I acknowledge that the impending investigation will likely lead to more public scrutiny and unwanted media attention.
“However, his actions are against everything our game stands for and I feel it’s important to take a stand against such behaviour. I sincerely hope that the outcome of the independent judicial hearing will set a precedent to discourage similar behaviour in the future so that no person has to experience what I have these past few weeks.”
In reflecting on Berry’s statement, World Rugby was succinct, noting Berry had yet to receive an apology.
“No further words from us are necessary,” the panel’s response read. “That is the human cost of [Erasmus’] conduct. It is that cost which he and SARU have yet to acknowledge.”
USrugger
Roar Rookie
Exactly. And they are Coloured, not merely some 'mixed race' person. They are proudly Coloured.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
can Berry sue him for slander?
Philou
Roar Rookie
Even 13 out of 450 equates to a 2.88% error rate Peter – way too high for elite sport when there are four people involved in the on-field decision-making.
Philou
Roar Rookie
Those are just the ones he acknowledged, Peter. For the sake of argument, let's say that rises to 20 when the ones against the Lions and one or two disputed ones are added. Now, take into account he had two ARs and a video ref to assist (editors and a proofreader, in my context). For the four of them to allow that many errors through equates to a really bad day at the 'office' they should have been brought to book for. This is not just about Berry alone. But, again, saying all this doesn't imply a zero sum game. They screwed up AND what RE did afterwards was abominable.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Why should I provide what I do in my researching? are you too lazy to do your own? Also with your evidently bias approach to this whole scenario, your calling Peyper a liar. If you cared to look at this whole farcical 'hearing, you'd notice, that WR called in, what they called an independent panel, who if one observed, would see that they were possibly all instructed, to address just the one issue. As it was two reps were Kiwi, & the other two were Pom. A bit unfair as there IMO, should be one rep per nation. This farcical issue, by rights, should have addressed ALL of the problems in & around this, starting with Gatland. Evidently it looks as WR didn't want to go there, as it might make their precious Lion's team look bad, in the public eye. Even the dismissal of Peyper, & NOT addressing the Kolisi part of this, has really showed the total incompetence of WR. FFs even Kearns came out, telling Berry to move on. So mate try, to not being so biased in this, as with the appeal going to happen, WR are going to be shown up again.
PeterK
Roar Guru
so you can't actually provide the guardian link since it doesn't exist then Peyper was lying , both OKeefe and Jutge corroborated Berry. Peyper has zero credence in his testimony. Kolisi was being manipulated or precious, and wouldn't appear to testify probably because he could not substantiate his accusations.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
As I said, I do my own research, also meaning I don't do it for others. If you can't see how farcical this whole scenario by WR is, then, honestly. OK, they had an independent panel making judgment on this, BUT, who elected them???? Sure Erasmus will challenge, & possibly win, their rulings, especially the one about no media interviews. FFS have they even taken the freedom of speech, into consideration, under a democracy?? I'm not saying people are lying, as you said, but Peyper's statement, along with what Kolisi has said, does make the whole issue look very weak. And I'm NOT going on all that's come out of the Republic, as you wrongly suggested.
PeterK
Roar Guru
It was 13 on my count when I went through the article since some of the clips refer to the same incident, also some are ar calls like the offside and not Berry’s. 13 errors from 450 scrums, lineouts, rucks, tackles, mauls in which multiple decisions have to be made.
PeterK
Roar Guru
how much time do you have to make say 1000 entries in a dictionary? Can you do 1000 in 80 mins? That is how many decisions the ref at a minimum makes in 80 minutes.
PeterK
Roar Guru
No there were 13 calls he agreed not 17 (some errors were mentioned more than once), also some were the ar’s call like the offside. 13 errors out of 450 situations where more than 1 decision has to be made. Less than a 1% error rate.
PeterK
Roar Guru
link the guardian article then, I have looked and none take the stance you say
Philou
Roar Rookie
Mate, I make dictionaries. Even one error in a dictionary gets you crucified! In all seriousness, though, I take your point about pressure - but are you seriously saying that many mistakes are acceptable? What kind of error rate would you find unacceptable then?
Marshy
Guest
“If I made 17 errors in my job within 80 minutes” What is your job? Start with that. Yep, making an error in 80 minutes of a profession where I am sure you are under intense global spotlight something you do. Bit disputing it but let’s hear of it. Do tell of your comparable job. Otherwise it’s the old apples, oranges and now bananas scenario.
Philou
Roar Rookie
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/nic-berry-email-reveals-he-agreed-with-rassie-erasmus-on-17-of-the-36-clips-springboks-lions/ - is 17 enough proof for you Peter? And those were just the ones Berry himself acknowledged.
Philou
Roar Rookie
That reply you mention shows he agrees with RE that he got 17 of the calls wrong. That's 17 errors acknowledged in 80 minutes by the match day ref and his team. If I made 17 errors in my job within 80 minutes I'd be toast! And those aren't even the errors they made that cost the Lions, or the ones they disagreed with where RE may have been right! Totally agree with everyone here: RE was wrong and I'm glad he's been punished. But, hell, to have such shoddy reffing in the second most important rugby event in the world and there be no consequences from WR's side also galls. Surely there must be some acknowledgement that refereeing standards are a real problem across the world?
Ex force fan
Guest
Video would have been much shorter if Berry made less mistakes…you should share the blame of the lengthy video with Berry.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha Jacko, it would be like getting blood out of a stone, especially in South Africa. Rassie would possibly tell him to stick it, where the sun don't shine. lol :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Oh Peter try harder, it's not only coming from the Republic, as even Phil the Dill has also spoken out.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Well that's your opinion on fb mate, as I don't have anything to do with anything involving Murdoch BS. As I suggested, it's the Guardian that gives me quite a lot of my information along with Wikileaks, & a few others. I do my own research, & don't rely on the laziness of others, to do it for me. This ' whitemans ' society, actually has been mentioned by many outlets, & it's a fact, that's known. Even when I was with the SSRU we referred to them as self inflicted privileged p...ks, especially after they had brought out a new law/ruling into the game. So Peter, can I suggest you do your own research, as I, & not rely on others. Anyway tell me mate, have you ever put into the game, as much as you've taken out? I can honestly say, I have, even though I never played at the top level, only provincial schoolboy, as in age group.
PeterK
Roar Guru
winston - so show me the proof that 23 errors were proven then. Who proved them and how?