Leigh Leopards owner says England deserve “love & respect” and not ‘toxic criticism’ after semi-final heart break

England were left broken hearted yesterday when Stephen Crichton’s Golden Point Drop goal sailed between the up rights and gave Samoa a 27-26 Rugby League World Cup semi-final win setting up a decider against Australia at Old Trafford next week.

As ever with a result like this, the natural response is turning to look at what went wrong for England following a defeat like this as is always the case with any tournament exit.

However, it is often too easy to get into the blame game with situations like this, that’s the view of Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont at least.

Beaumont took to Twitter after the devastating loss to give his verdict on England’s defeat.

Instead of looking to dissect the defeat like many others, Beaumont praised the spirit in the England side and said they deserve “love and respect” imploring people to avoid falling into “toxic social media criticism.”

He said: “Not read any comments re game but say this. Our boys fought with pride and that’s what we should all credit them with. Gutted for waney and the boys. Let’s show them love and respect not toxic social media criticism! Thanks to all players and staff for representing our country.”

Not read any comments re game but say this. Our boys fought with pride and that’s what we should all credit them with. Gutted for waney and the boys. Let’s show them love and respect not toxic social media criticism! Thanks to all players and staff for representing our country ❤️

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) November 12, 2022

When people questioned this calling it “celebrating losing” Beaumont defended his comments:

“Who is celebrating losing? Have you ever met our coach or players? Do you know how much they care and are hurting? Have you ever carried a rugby ball over the whitewash? I would say not based on your comments. Our boys represent us in a tough sport. They gave it all for us!”