THE Dragons are following Newport County AFC this weekend by going silent on social media.
The four rugby regions – the Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff Blues – and the Welsh Rugby Union have joined a host of other sporting bodies by taking a stand against racism and discrimination.
They will not update their social media channels between 3pm on Friday and 11.59pm on Monday.
County have a vital League Two clash against Cheltenham at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon but will join footballing colleagues in staying silent.
In support of our partners @BT Sport to Draw the Line against social media abuse, Dragons, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys & the Welsh Rugby Union, will be joining clubs & sporting organisations across the country in a social media boycott this weekend pic.twitter.com/xPej8qGwGE
— Dragons (@dragonsrugby) April 29, 2021
Cricket organisations joined the protest on Wednesday and now Welsh rugby has followed English and Scottish counterparts.
“This is a matter that the WRU takes seriously, having shed light on the abuse received by its players in the past – most recently during this year’s Guinness Six Nations campaign,” read a WRU statement.
“We are aware that eradicating online abuse won’t happen overnight, but we hope that this weekend’s social media boycott will be the first of many steps towards doing so.”
While the Dragons don't have a fixture this weekend they will not provide their usual updates on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Managing director Mark Jones said: “We will not tolerate hate speech and abusive behaviour in any form on social media.
“As a region this is something which has sadly affected us directly this season and is something we feel very strongly about. It is time to draw a line.
“This weekend’s social media blackout is an important tool to raise awareness of the issue and the implications of online abuse.
“We are proud to stand side-by-side with (partners) BT, our fellow Welsh regions and the Welsh Rugby Union to tackle social media abuse and online hate.”
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