- Leicester’s campaign ended in crushing fashion with a collapse against Bristol
- Dan McKellar’s men squandered a 19-0 lead to lose again at Welford Road
As the Leicester faithful tried to come to terms with another disappointing campaign, the backlash boiled over on Saturday to such an extent that the club could take action against some of its own disgruntled supporters.
The cause of the unrest was the shocking collapse of the Tigers, who were beaten again at Welford Road. Bristol were down, or so it seemed, trailing 19-0 with 11 minutes remaining. This is not the case. Leicester could not close out the match. Reduced to 14 men, they fell back, conceding three late tries to lose 21-19.
It was a calamitous result which dashed any hopes in the East Midlands that the Tigers could reach the play-offs, which were once an annual routine. Those present did not take it well at all, as the aftermath of the match became toxic.
The result was a post from the club on social media which said: “We have seen and received reports of abuse which, if deemed necessary, will result in formal action being taken against season ticket holders or supporters identified as making abusive or threatening comments towards individuals.
“While we understand the disappointment with today’s result, personal threats or abuse directed at players, coaches and/or staff on social media are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The abuse is obviously unnecessary, but the mood of bitter frustration is understandable. Leicester must be brooding over another lost season. The team they assembled on Saturday was brimming with pedigree, but the manner of their capitulation portends problems of spirit within the ranks, which will deeply alarm the Tigers hierarchy.
These are difficult times for Leicester. Title success under Steve Borthwick in 2022 could one day be seen as a glorious coup in a long period of drift and decline. Dan McKellar was hired in Australia after a global search for a new head coach and he came with an excellent reputation – so much so that there were early fears the Wallabies would try to snap him up.
But there is no sign of transformation. Instead, the rookie from Down Under became frustrated with the lack of progress. Locally, there are rumors that he will lose the support of the Tigers’ huge fan base and even the locker room.
There is still a strong core of local talent, in the finest traditions, as evidenced by the English quartet Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, Ollie Chessum and George Martin. But their presence alongside stalwarts such as Dan Cole and Ben Youngs, and key imports Julian Montoya, Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese, simply justifies the high expectations.
Wiese is leaving soon and there are problems on several fronts. The fortress aura of Welford Road has long been shattered. An attempt to sell the club had to be abandoned – before emergency funds were injected to head off the threat of administration. Repeated fines for past salary cap violations have not improved the financial situation. Meanwhile, Leicester City are on their way back to the Premier League, which is sure to turn the heads of young sports enthusiasts in the region.
Very often over the years, the Tigers have been described as “the Manchester United of rugby”. In the past, this always referred to their status as the biggest club in the country. But today the comparison takes on an unwelcome double meaning, as the giants continue to stumble, in the struggle to live up to their proud heritage.
