Players Increasingly Getting Distanced By Abusive Supporters

Players Increasingly Getting Distanced By Abusive Supporters

Players Increasingly Getting Distanced By Abusive Supporters


The temporary bond between player and fan is disappearing.

As a follow-up to my last piece that talks about the negative effect negative fans have on performance, I thought it worth giving you actual examples of professional football players bringing the subject up to demonstrate this is a serious problem.

Social media, in it's infancy, was a way fans could connect vith players and former players, bringing both cliser.

However, online abuse is once again making that distance greater as anonymous people conduct hate campaigns and employ abusive mob rule to try and justify their so-called support.

Both Gareth Bale, who spoke about fans booing not helping a player low on confidence playing better and Kieran Trippier, only last month saying his time at Tottenham was hard because of the abuse he received on social media.

Here are a few examples of football players who have spoken out about the impact of abuse on social media:

  1. Thierry Henry (former Arsenal player and French international): "I will never say it doesn't affect you. [...] Some people will tell you, 'Oh, get on with it'. But no, you cannot get on with it. It affects you." [Source: BBC, 2019]
  2. Marcus Rashford (England Manchester United): "You become more aware of it the more you see it. When I was younger I wasn't seeing it, but when you start looking for it, you find it. [...] The times when I have played best are when I'm free in my mind. When I'm happy." [Source: The Guardian, 2021]
  3. Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa and England): "I don’t think anyone can make a claim to know what it feels like to receive online abuse until they’ve had it for themselves. I certainly wasn’t prepared for it." [Source: The Telegraph, 2021]
  4. Dele Alli (former England and Tottenham Hotspur player): "As much as you try not to look at it, you always see it. I'm someone that really enjoys being on social media and connecting with the fans, but that's something that has gone now." [Source: Goal, 2021]
  5. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, Machester City, England and Chelsea): "I don't mind constructive criticism, but when you haven't done anything wrong and you get flooded with messages of abuse, it's tough to take." [Source: The Guardian, 2019]
  6. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United): "I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I've not heard it because I have, and it's not nice. We're all human beings and we all have feelings." [Source: BBC, 2019]
  7. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal, England and Liverpool): "It is tough. I’ve had people say they hope I get injured and break my leg. They hope my girlfriend and family die." [Source: The Sun, 2020]
  8. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal and Manchester United): "I have to be honest with myself and say the abuse doesn't affect me anymore. But when I was younger, the abuse really affected me." [Source: Sky Sports, 2020]
  9. Danny Rose (former Tottenham and England player): "I just think that these people just hide behind their computers. They feel they can say whatever they want because nobody knows who they are." [Source: Sky Sports, 2020]
  10. Jordan Henderson (Liverpool and England): "It's not nice to read. No one likes to read stuff about themselves, especially when it's not true, and especially when it's about your family." [Source: BBC, 2019]

This is of course the tip of the iceberg, I could list stacks more examples, so many to make it undeniable that what you post on social media therefore affects results.

It is time to break free from the cycle of complaints and embrace a more constructive and positive approach to supporting Tottenham Hotspur.

Instead of dwelling on the shortcomings, let's focus on the potential for growth, unity, and success.

Everyone should explore the power of positivity in transforming the online football community and creating a supportive environment that uplifts both players and fans.

It's time to shift the narrative and make a real impact on the club you love. Are you ready to be a part of the change?

Positivity on social media is crucial for creating a supportive environment for football players. The impact of social media on athletes' mental well-being cannot be underestimated.

When players are subjected to abuse and negativity online, it can significantly affect their confidence, focus, and overall mental state.

As a result, their on-field performance may suffer, ultimately impacting their team's overall performance and the points secured. Football is a team sport, and the collective performance of players is vital for success. When players are weighed down by the negativity they encounter on social media, their morale and motivation can decline.

They may become distracted, lose concentration, or even question their abilities. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and teamwork, as players may hesitate or make mistakes due to the mental burden they carry. Moreover, the impact of social media extends beyond individual players.

The team dynamics can also be affected by the negative atmosphere created online. When players are exposed to constant criticism and abuse, it can create divisions within the team and erode the sense of unity.

This can hinder effective communication, trust, and cooperation on the field, ultimately jeopardizing the team's overall performance. On the other hand, fostering positivity on social media can have significant benefits for players and teams alike.

When fans, supporters, and followers spread encouragement, support, and constructive feedback, it can boost players' morale, confidence, and sense of belonging. Positive reinforcement can inspire players to give their best, work together as a cohesive unit, and strive for success. When players feel supported and valued by their fans and the online community, it creates a positive cycle. It enhances their mental well-being, leading to improved focus, determination, and performance on the field.

As a result, the team can secure more points, achieve better results, and enhance their overall standing in competitions. In conclusion, the need for positivity on social media cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in shaping the mental well-being and performance of football players.

By promoting a supportive and encouraging environment online, fans and followers can contribute to the success of their favorite teams.

Let us all remember the impact our words can have and strive to create a positive online atmosphere that uplifts players, enhances team performance, and ultimately secures valuable points on the field.