Newcastle Knight James Schiller reveals disgusting online abuse
Newcastle outside back James Schiller has called out a fan and revealed the disgusting abuse he was subjected to following his team’s stunning win over Manly.
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Newcastle Knights winger James Schiller shared how he was subject to vile threats online after his side’s golden point winner against Manly.
Despite finishing up Thursday night with a try assist, four line breaks and four pointer of his own in the corner, Schiller had a defensive night to forget in the first half of the match when he was lining up out of position at left centre.
Opposite number Reuben Garrick and second rower Haumole Olakau’atu terrorised the Newcastle man, who couldn’t keep up with their running game, while making five errors, conceding two penalties and missing four tackles.
But despite the win, one Instagram user took things too far, messaging Schiller’s account early in the second half.
“Count your days c*nt I will end your f***ing life,” they wrote.
He doubled down after full time.
“Doesn’t make up for it even though you won.
“5 errors, 2 penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree I hope Dane (Gagai) jams his c**k down your throat and you choke and die.”
Schiller took to his Instagram story to share the sickening messages.
Although trailing 16-0 at halftime to the visitors and being booed by their own fans on their way down the tunnel, the Novocastrians pulled off a historic win on Thursday night, coming back to take the game 26-22.
The feat was the first time in 18 years the Knights came back from a 16 point deficit.
But despite the feat, coach Adam O’Brien turned on his side’s fans when asked about the boos.
“It’s disappointing, it’s really disappointing. I know the scoreline is not what they want, but to boo the effort that went into that first half from a really young team, the people that booed don’t know anything about rugby league,” he said.
“They’re probably the ones that cheered at the end too and that really disappoints me because a lot of the first half we defended our hearts out.
“I know people are disappointed with us but they’re trying their backsides off.”
Newcastle legend Matty Johns disagreed.
“Jeez that’s a bit rough. Those Newcastle people, from days when I played right through and we used to get booed off sometimes, and you cop it because those fans turn up even when it’s pissing rain, hail, or you’re sitting bottom of the ladder, they always turn up,” Johns said.
“I think if they’ve paid their money and they’ve supported that side for so long, then I think they’re entitled to air their grievances.”
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Originally published as Newcastle Knight James Schiller reveals disgusting online abuse