Micah Richards quits Twitter after racist abuse
Table of Contents
In the latest example of how racism is blighting football, Manchester City defender Micah Richards now decided to close his Twitter account after being the victim of racist abuse.
A spokesman for Richards told The Observer that the England player had reluctantly decided to close his account, @officialMR2, on Friday after being attacked on at least 20 occasions.
"He was getting loads of racist abuse, two or three incidents a week since it peaked in November," the spokesman said.
"It's a shame because he really enjoyed the interaction with the fans."
Last year, the police investigated some of the racist comments on Richards's official Twitter page - which had over 120,000 followers.
The 23-year-old chose not to close his account then, but has now done so after more incidences of the problem.
"The messages kept on coming and he just thought enough was enough," said his spokesman.
"He, like other players at the moment, had to face a lot of comments on a frequent basis and it's another timely reminder that racist abuse in football exists."
Richards is not the only player who has been targeted with racist abuse via Twitter, with Djibril Cissé, Louis Saha, Fraizer Campbell and former player turned pundit Stan Collymore all complaining about racist comments sent to them.
Meanwhile, a number of Twitter users have taken to the micro-blogging site to express their disappointment that Richards has left the site.
Liverpool player Craig Bellamy posted: "So sad to hear about Micah Richards leaving Twitter because of racist abuse.
"Twitter needs to stop this and get something done!"
Richards' team-mate Joleon Lescott tweeted: "Sorry to say tweeps it's true about Micah is not on twitter any more. Sad day as he is a funny guy on here."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
 |
|
| Micah Richards has left Twitter after receiving racist abuse over the past three months Photo: Reuters |
A spokesman for Richards told The Observer that the England player had reluctantly decided to close his account, @officialMR2, on Friday after being attacked on at least 20 occasions.
"He was getting loads of racist abuse, two or three incidents a week since it peaked in November," the spokesman said.
"It's a shame because he really enjoyed the interaction with the fans."
Last year, the police investigated some of the racist comments on Richards's official Twitter page - which had over 120,000 followers.
The 23-year-old chose not to close his account then, but has now done so after more incidences of the problem.
"The messages kept on coming and he just thought enough was enough," said his spokesman.
"He, like other players at the moment, had to face a lot of comments on a frequent basis and it's another timely reminder that racist abuse in football exists."
Richards is not the only player who has been targeted with racist abuse via Twitter, with Djibril Cissé, Louis Saha, Fraizer Campbell and former player turned pundit Stan Collymore all complaining about racist comments sent to them.
Meanwhile, a number of Twitter users have taken to the micro-blogging site to express their disappointment that Richards has left the site.
Liverpool player Craig Bellamy posted: "So sad to hear about Micah Richards leaving Twitter because of racist abuse.
"Twitter needs to stop this and get something done!"
Richards' team-mate Joleon Lescott tweeted: "Sorry to say tweeps it's true about Micah is not on twitter any more. Sad day as he is a funny guy on here."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
