Youth sports are supposed to be about fun, growth, and encouragement—but that wasn’t the vibe at a recent under-14 rugby league match in the UK.

Instead, a group of adults at the game became the focus after behaving in a way that has left thousands of people online angry and disappointed.

Video of Disrespectful Spectators Sparks Outrage

A video has gone viral online showing a shocking scene from a BARLA U14 Youth Cup semi-final match between West Bank Bears and Myton Warriors Greens.

The clip captures a young player from the West Bank Bears lining up to take a goal kick—only to be jeered and heckled by adults standing just metres behind him.

As the boy steadied himself for the kick from a difficult angle near the touchline, a group of spectators could be seen and heard trying to distract him.

One woman cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted directly at the player, while others followed suit with mocking noise. Someone even blew a horn.

The Young Player Misses—and the Jeering Gets Worse

Despite the pressure, the young kicker attempted the shot—but missed.

Rather than show sportsmanship, the crowd of adults celebrated his failure.

The same woman was caught again yelling at the player, her hands still to her face, as others around her laughed and continued to heckle the child.

It was a tough moment to watch, especially knowing this was a match involving children.

West Bank Bears Win the Match—But the Behavior Steals the Headlines

In the end, West Bank Bears pulled off a 14-10 victory and earned their spot in the BARLA U14 Youth Cup finals, where they’ll now face Pilkington Recs.

But the team’s success has been overshadowed by the behavior of some fans on the sidelines.

The now-viral video was originally shared by @Skyrugby and has already been viewed more than 4.3 million times on X (formerly Twitter).

Rugby Community and Fans Respond With Disgust

Comments quickly poured in condemning the adults’ actions.

Rugby fans, parents, and even sporting legends weighed in.

Among the strongest reactions came from Liam Williams, the Welsh rugby icon and British and Irish Lions player, who called the scene “outrageous.”

Sky Rugby themselves posted:
“Couldn’t believe this yesterday—an army of people ran down behind the kicker to put him off.”

Others weren’t shy about voicing their disgust:

“Some parents have no idea.”
“Morons.”
“This is outrageous—rugby is not a game for this.”
“Parents living their lives through their kids. Shocking.”

Club and Governing Body Promise Action

A spokesperson from the West Bank Bears rugby club didn’t mince words:
“Obviously this sort of behaviour is atrocious.

The governing body is aware, and we await the outcome of the disciplinary process.”

Both BARLA and Myton Warriors Greens have reportedly been contacted for comment, but no official statements have been released yet.

This Isn’t the First Time Youth Sports Have Been Tainted

Sadly, these kinds of incidents aren’t new. Back in February, another video caused a stir online after a group of parents were seen getting into a mass brawl at an U10s football match in Kent.

That clip also drew national attention and reminded many of the growing need for better adult conduct at youth sporting events.

What Happens Next?

As the disciplinary process plays out, there’s hope that governing bodies will take a stronger stance against this kind of behavior.

But ultimately, it starts with the fans—and especially parents—remembering what youth sports are really about: supporting kids, not tearing them down.