Robert Hicks meets fan who sent him death threats on social media

Drew Darbyshire 14 Aug 2019 1:28 PM

Referee Robert Hicks and Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick have met a spectator who sent him death threats via social media.

Hicks was subject of a death threat from a Warrington supporter after the Wolves’ Challenge Cup quarter-final win at Hull KR in May.

Warrington immediately launched an investigation, and the police also contacted the supporter. Hicks and Fitzpatrick have come together to stress to the supporter in person exactly how and why his behaviour was unacceptable.

All have agreed that a suspended banning order is sufficient punishment in this instance, with the supporter expressing his gratitude for that response – and the chance to keep supporting the Wolves.

Hicks said: “I don’t want anyone to think I’m making light of this – the incident caused significant worry and upset to my family.

“But having discussed the matter with Karl and also the police, we thought we could make a more effective point by meeting face to face with the individual concerned.

“We did that at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and although it was a difficult experience for all of us, I think we all left the room thinking it had been a worthwhile exercise.”

Fitzpatrick added: “Robert Hicks deserves a lot of credit for responding in this way, and we were happy to play our part.

“Everybody knows that we have been a bit edgier with our own use of social media this season, with the very clear aim of changing and raising the image and profile of the club and the Super League competition.

“But that brings a responsibility to make absolutely clear that certain things remain completely unacceptable – and this was very clearly an example of that.

“That’s the point of the RFL’s Enjoy the Game campaign, which Warrington and all the other Betfred Super League clubs are right behind.”