BBC Rugby Union: Leicester Tigers Left Reeling After Late Collapse Against Bristol
As the Leicester faithful tried to come to terms with another disappointing campaign, their discontent boiled over on Saturday, leading the club to warn of potential action against disgruntled fans.
The cause of the unrest was a shocking collapse by the Tigers, who were beaten again at Welford Road. Bristol were down and out, trailing 19-0 with just 11 minutes remaining. However, Leicester couldn’t close out the game, and with the team reduced to 14 men, they folded, conceding three late tries to lose 21-19.
It was a calamitous result that effectively ended any faint hope the East Midlands club had of reaching the play-offs, a feat that was once an annual routine for the Tigers. The aftermath of the game turned toxic, with the club subsequently issuing a statement warning that it would take action against any season ticket holders or supporters found to be directing “abusive or threatening language” towards players, coaches, or staff on social media.
While the club acknowledged the disappointment of the supporters, it made clear that such personal threats or abuse would not be tolerated.
The manner of Leicester’s capitulation hints at trouble with team spirit, which will deeply alarm the Tigers hierarchy. These are difficult times for the once-dominant club, as the title success under Steve Borthwick in 2022 may prove to be a fleeting moment of glory in a prolonged period of drift and decline.
The recruitment of Dan McKellar from Australia as the new head coach had generated much excitement, but there has been little sign of a transformation so far. Instead, the Australian has grown frustrated by the lack of progress, with rumors suggesting he is losing the support of the Tigers’ huge fanbase and even the dressing room.
Leicester still boast a strong core of home-grown talent, including the likes of England internationals Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, Ollie Chessum, and George Martin. However, their presence alongside seasoned campaigners and top imports has merely underscored the high expectations, which the team has consistently failed to meet in recent years.
The club’s financial struggles, including past salary cap offenses and an abandoned attempted sale, have only added to the woes. Meanwhile, the ongoing success of local rivals Leicester City’s return to the Premier League is sure to capture the attention of young sports enthusiasts in the area.
Once described as the “Manchester United of rugby,” the Tigers now find themselves in an unwelcome position, with the giants of the game continuing to stumble in their efforts to recapture their proud heritage.
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