Jonathan Rea explains his relationship with social networks, where he receives many positive comments but where he has also been the victim of insults and worse.
About Matthew Bellan de Motoracing
Social networks are a great invention, there is no doubt about that. They allow millions of people to express their thoughts, to compare their opinions and also to obtain information. Unfortunately, there are also those who wrongly use them to mock, insult or even threaten. Jonathan Rhea knows something about it, which in the last two years has been targeted by so-called “haters”, notably during two specific episodes which both took place in Magny-Cours.
In 2021 he was insulted and threatened because after the Superpole Race he asked the team Kawasaki to check if Toprak Razgatlioglu found himself on the green in the last lap of the Superpole Race. There was an appeal and the Turk lost the victory to Johnny. In 2022, he overthrew Alvaro Bautista in race 2 and on this occasion too he was the subject of many negative comments, some even quite heavy.
Sale is not the type to pay too much attention to what is written on social networks: “ as a young man – he told Speedweek – I always wanted to know what people said about me. Today I have more experience and I don't seek advice, especially after delicate situations. I always try to behave well and leave the paddock with dignity. Everyone has an opinion and can talk about what they want. ».
Jonathan Rea: “ a guy under a photo of me and my dog wrote that he wanted to come and break our bones. What kind of person writes such a thing? »
The six-time Superbike world champion personally takes care of his profiles, except on weekends when he is busy in the championship rounds: “ my sister and a friend take care of it. They do it well and quickly delete negative comments. My sister once told me that she deleted a very negative comment on Instagram. A guy under a photo of me and my dog wrote that he wanted to come and break our bones. What kind of person writes such a thing? My fans can defend me, but they must not insult anyone ».
Unfortunately, it is now customary to read such comments in bad taste towards pilots. This ranges from teasing to gratuitous insults. Too many people have little respect for athletes who go out on the track, taking risks to do what they love and put on a show for the fans. Criticism, especially if it is constructive, is meaningful. And sometimes there can also be some gentle or otherwise acceptable teasing. Instead, there can be no room for anyone who exceeds certain limits, even spreading heavy insults and threats.
Unfortunately, too many people follow motorcycles (and not only) in the wrong spirit. It is a sport that must be experienced with the right lightness, enjoying the competitions and supporting your favorites without the need to “demolish” the opponents. We must put aside ignorance to make way for sporting culture and pure passion.
