Paul Merson Reveals Threats To Kill His Wife And Kids On Social Media

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has revealed the disgusting abuse he received on social media earlier this season, with threats on his wife's and kids' lives.

Mers is a popular figure on Soccer Saturday, appearing alongside Jeff Stelling on a weekly basis, but is the latest public figure in football to reveal the kind of abuse he is on the wrong end of on social media.

Speaking to the Daily Star, the former Arsenal forward explained that his comment earlier the season that Anthony Martial wouldn't win the league for Manchester United had led to death threats.

"I had an atrocious one a while ago for saying that Manchester United wouldn't win the league with Anthony Martial up front.

"Someone said they would throw my wife in the canal and kill my kids.

"I told my wife about it. We both just sat there in shock and went: 'Wow!'

"My agent asked me if I wanted to go to the police but I said: 'No, he's obviously not well this guy, it's my fault for reading it.'

"Now I look back and I feel bad that I didn't report it to the police just to teach him a lesson, you know? Another one that's slipped away.

"I said to someone the other day that I was coming off social media.

"Sometimes it does affect me. On days when I'm not strong and people are calling me a druggie and worse. It is hard. You don't need that stuff in your life.

"When people say these things they should look in the mirror. But what I get is only the tip of the iceberg compared to other people.

"When people are getting slaughtered for the colour of their skin, it does my head in. It's disgusting, and it hurts me to see it. I don't understand it.

"The people saying these things would never dare go up to Ian Wright or Dion Dublin and say these things. They are cowards"

Martial has been on the receiving end of racist abuse for his performances. Image: PA Images

There has been many recent incidents of abuse towards players on social media recently, with many of it being racially charged, and Martial and teammates Axel Tuanzebe and Marcus Rashford have been amongst those.

Arsenal's Willian recently called for Twitter to do something about the abuse but the site confirmed why they wouldn't be changing their policy on the need for ID to sign up for a profile.

Bundesliga players recently shared the abuse they have received in an emotional video for the Unite Against Hate campaign.

Fans on social media certainly need to improve their behaviour.

Topics: Anthony Martial, Football, Manchester United, Paul Merson, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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