Madam, – As a supporter of the Irish rugby team through good times and bad (mostly the latter), since 1938, I wish to express my absolute disgust at the unsporting and boorish behaviour of what I hope was a minority, albeit vociferous, element of the crowd towards the Scottish place kicker as he prepared to take the final penalty. That he succeeded was the appropriate riposte to such mean-spirited and loutish behaviour.
While I, like I imagine most other supporters, was disappointed with the result, I must congratulate the Scots on a victory thoroughly deserved. Alas, until such time as we find a couple of decent props our scrum will always struggle and penalties accrue to the opposition; we live in hope.
However, I was much more disappointed by the conduct of our so-called “fans” who did so much to devalue our reputation gained over many years for fairness and good sportsmanship. These people should stay away. The game can do without them. – Yours, etc,