Scottish Rugby ‘appalled’ by Jones abuse

Scottish Rugby has condemned the “disgusting behaviour” Eddie Jones was subjected to while travelling south after England’s Six Nations defeat at Murrayfield.

England head coach Jones on Wednesday vowed to avoid public transport after allegedly being subjected to physical and verbal abuse during a train journey on Sunday.

The Australian is reported to have travelled standard class from Edinburgh to Manchester to watch Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford, before continuing his journey to London.

A statement released by Scottish Rugby on Thursday said: “Scottish Rugby is appalled by the verbal abuse suffered by Eddie Jones. The disgusting behaviour of those involved does not represent the values of our sport or its fans.

“The dignity Eddie and the England team showed on Saturday is in stark contrast to this ugly incident.”

Jones said he was concerned for his safety when he was targeted at the weekend.

“I try and do the right thing by the fans but if that happens then you’ve got to have a look at your own safety,” said Jones. “I never knock back a request for a selfie unless I’m racing to somewhere. I did a lot.

“For me to travel on public transport, I thought was okay. I’m a human being. I don’t consider myself any different from anyone else. But I’ll make sure I won’t in future. It’s as simple as that. I can’t, because it was shown on Sunday what happens when I do.

“That’s the world we live in. It wasn’t comfortable. It was a bit of both [physical and verbal]. After a loss, no I wouldn’t [catch a train again]. It’s part of the challenge.

“When I came to England, I knew there were going to be challenges. As an Australian coaching England, there were always going to be challenges and that’s just one of them.”

Asked whether he was taken aback by the incident, Jones added: “Massively, but that’s the world we live in.

“I don’t want to get into it, guys. I don’t want to make a big deal about it. It’s over and done with. We march on – we’ve got a game against France.”

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