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The positives and negatives of athletes with social media accounts are very well documented. For every story of athletes having fun interactions with their fans or using their platform to advance a cause that is important to them, there are as many, or more, stories of often nameless and faceless people launching horrible and unnecessary abuse at athletes through their social networks. media pages.
Liverpool right-back Neco Williams was the victim of one such wave of hatred after Liverpool’s 7-2 win over Lincoln City in the third round of the Carabao Cup. In the second half of the game, Williams tried unsuccessfully to dribble through two Lincoln City players in his own half, turning the ball over in the process. Lincoln City managed to turn the stripping into his first goal.
While this mistake led directly to a goal, it’s the kind of mistake you’d expect to see from a 19-year-old, and with the goal only reducing Liverpool’s lead from 5 to 4, it wasn’t exactly a match. changing event. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop online trolls from harassing Williams to the point where he felt it necessary to hide his profile and cover photos on Twitter and keep quiet.
Liverpool deputy manager Pepijn Lijnders condemned the abuse received by the Welsh defender during his press conference prior to the fourth round of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup against Arsenal.
“It is not my place to comment on social media,” Lijnders said. “All I can say is that the abuse is wrong. Through social networks, on the street, it’s wrong. “
He also had very strong words for the alleged Liverpool supporters who participated in the abuse:
“Secondly, you are not a Liverpool fan if you don’t support.”
Lijnders took the time to mention that Williams received words of encouragement from several of his teammates.
“Trent (Alexander-Arnold) spoke to him, Virgil (van Dijk) spoke to him, Robbo (Andrew Robertson) spoke to him, so it’s not just Jurgen (Klopp) or me,” added Lijnders. “This is how we take care of each other and that is what makes us different.”
The Liverpool deputy manager praised the young defender’s willingness to take risks and his handling of the abuse he received.
“We do not want a safe game, a player who does not take risks. Our game is based on everyone taking the initiative from each position, and that is what we want, ”said Lijnders. “One of the most important lessons for every young man coming out, every player, is that it is a weakness if you can get caught up in praise and criticism. I think he handled it really well, to be honest. “
It is truly heartbreaking that so many athletes have to endure the abuse that is almost inevitable when maintaining a social media presence.
At such times, it is extremely important to have the open support of teammates and coaches. Pep Lijnders speaking on behalf of Neco and stating that the coaching staff is happy with the way the talented youngster is playing is a very encouraging step. Now, it’s up to Neco Williams to overcome this adversity and show that he will not be hampered by online hate.
