Reece was discharged without conviction after a judge ruled there were mitigating factors in the case.
@_PatriciaV_ wrote: “‘Sevu Reece beat his girlfriend in the street, let’s use him on our International Women’s Day post. Oh, and make sure you don’t mention the Black Ferns at all’ – All Blacks social media team this morning.”
Smith, meanwhile, was pictured sitting next to wife Teagan, who he married last year.
Five years earlier, the All Blacks sent him home from South Africa after he was caught having sex with another woman in the disabled toilet of an airport.
@HLegg1983 replied: “You include Smith and Reece let leave out the Black Ferns? Think you got this wrong on so many levels that leaves this as a meaningless PR stunt.”
@Paulin3McFerran also posted: “You know you have a women’s team, right? Also, Sevu Reece? Really?”
@JackBish13 wrote: “This is probably the most tone deaf tweet I think I’ve ever seen. To include Sevu Reece on an International Womens Day post and to not even post anything about the Black Ferns.”
Raith Rovers came under fire for a similar post a month after sparking a major furore by signing David Goodwillie, who in 2017 was ruled to have raped a woman in a landmark civil case.
The club, who were forced to agree not to play the striker, wrote: “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias #IWD22.”
That prompted criticism and mockery in equal measure, with “former Raith Rovers fan” @ElaineLawther responding: “Imagine a world where we recognise the impact of gender based violence on our communities and the impact of retraumatising people when we make decisions for ‘footballing reasons’.”
@nellywallace wrote: “Imagine a world where Raith Rovers acknowledged they didn’t do a great job of this recently!! Another tone deaf post and a missed opportunity to set out a fresh and convincing commitment to ensuring these values are upheld by everyone at all levels of the club.”
