Eddie Jones angry with Scotland fans for Farrell boos and flying beer bottles

Eddie Jones was left angry with Scotland fans after a member of his coaching team was hit by a beer bottle and Owen Farrell was booed when kicking during England’s Six Nations win at Murrayfield.

Neil Craig, England’s head of performance, was hit by a bottle thrown from among Scotland supporters as Jones’ side entered the stadium ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash on Saturday.

There was also jeering of Farrell when he kicked for goal during England’s 13-6 win, which was secured thanks to Ellis Genge’s solitary try during dreadful weather conditions brought on by Storm Ciara.

It was Jones’ first visit to Murrayfield since a 25-13 defeat two years ago, after which the England coach received vociferous verbal abuse outside a Manchester train station the next day.

“We weren’t expecting beer bottles to be thrown – that’s a new trick,” Jones said. “It’s a pretty good achievement, throwing beer bottles. You’ve got to be brave to throw a beer bottle.

“Neil has a hard head, I know that, and there’s not much inside it. He will be all right.”

Thank you @Scotlandteam 

All the best for the rest of the #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/ulIK2wOIpx

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 8, 2020

When asked if England would consider making a formal complaint, Jones said: “It’s not going to do anything, is it? Everybody knows about it, so someone can do something about it. It’s not good behaviour, is it?”

Jones went on to accuse the Scottish fans of lacking respect over their heckling of Farrell, who kicked eight points despite missing three penalties in the swirling wind.

“Rugby did have a culture of respect and if there is a new level of respect in Scotland then we have to put up with it. Obviously, they think there is,” said Jones.

“If that’s how the Scottish fans will be respectful then we have to acknowledge it and get on with it. It was an old-fashioned Calcutta Cup game with swirling wind and an aggressive crowd without manners – I thought you were supposed to show kickers respect?”

The result was just what Rugby World Cup finalists England needed following their opening-game loss to France. 

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta