Superstar fullback Reece Walsh is no stranger to criticism and abuse, but even for him, the vitriol hurled his way by English fans during the Kangaroos’ Ashes Tour is more than even he would have anticipated.
During Australia’s 14-4 win in the second Ashes Test, a range of homophobic slurs and hateful speech was hurled at the fullback, in particular while he waited on the sidelines after being sin binned.
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While he waited on the touchline for the 10 minutes to pass, dozens of Brits yelled vile abuse at the Kangaroos superstar, with even security having to get involved.
It was language that Code Sports labelled “horrendous” and said it was “vile insults no player should have to endure”.
And according to the Sydney Morning Herald, most of the abuse was slurs about his sexuality and revolved around his decision to wear nail polish.
Last year, Walsh drew criticism for his decision to paint his nails an array of colours.
That only intensified after posting a photo of himself with pink nails on Instagram.
Amid the criticism, former Broncos coach Kevin Walters revealed the reason behind his colourful nails is his daughter.
“Do you know why he paints his nails? His daughter wants to paint his nails and Reece does it,” Walters told The Courier Mail last year.
“If Reece Walsh wants to paint his nails, and do his hair nicely and have the cool sunnies on, that’s not hurting the Broncos.”
However, his nail polish was again the centre of attention as English fans targeted him.
“There was a homophobic slur, he was called a b*****d, and they started bagging him around his nails and his nail polish,” wrote Code Sports, who were in attendance.
However, Walsh remained calm and gave it back to them, according to the SMH.
“He smiled and turned around, and said to one of the guys who dished out the homophobic slur: ‘Are you still a virgin?’” the publication said.
It remains to be seen if Walsh will feature in the third and final Test, given Australia already holds a 2-0 lead.
Walsh could make way for Dylan Edwards in what Kangaroos coach Walters hints at being a new-look team.
“It would be nice to reward some guys,” Walters said after the second Test.
“It’s been a great connection amongst the whole group – particularly with our training and preparation. Part of that is the [squad] guys we’ve been training against have been very, very good.”
Originally published as English fans’ Reece Walsh torment exposed as Kangaroos fullback the target of homophobic slurs