'In order to stand out from the crowd, many fans choose to be outrageous'

Where once fans were able to share views or vent frustration at a match or in the pub, now the only outlet available to them now is social media. The consequences have been predictably vile and depressing. Why has this vilification intensified and what can be done to police it? Colm O'Connor spoke to Rugby Players Ireland's Richard McElwee.

TARGETED: Billy Burns after the Ireland defeat in Cardiff. Social media has become something of a wild-west where people feel free to throw insults about at will and not be held accountable."

Q: Were you surprised by the level of vitriol towards a couple of Irish players after the defeat to Wales?

A: Not necessarily. Over the past number of years, the level of general vitriol on social platforms has increased. It has become something of a wild-west where people are free to throw insults about at will and not be held accountable.