SAINTS midfielder Will Smallbone has appeared to deactivate his X account following online abuse.
The Basingstoke-born 24 year old was targeted following Southampton's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round.
Smallbone was at fault for the second goal scored by Jurgen Klopp's Reds at Anfield, with a misplaced pass to Ryan Manning.
Following the fixture, the academy graduate was subjected to personal online abuse including wishes of illness and comparisons to evil historical figures.
Needless to say but that comment on here regarding a Saints player, which I won’t share, is completely unacceptable.
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) February 29, 2024
Luckily, we all agree on that. I’m glad to see the response to it we have and I hope the poster has reflected overnight. Sorry for this negative post.#SaintsFC
Saints supporters quickly leaped to the defence of Smallbone, who has made 35 appearances for the club this season.
As supporters noticed Smallbone's account disappear, they took to X to support the Irishman.
Extremely disappointing to see Will Smallbone has had to deactivate his Twitter account after the hate he’s received the last few week 😔
— JustSaints (@JustSaints_) February 29, 2024
One of our own and has been brilliant for the most part this season, especially during the unbeaten run. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/xxUNl6wN0a
Good game or bad game. Good player or bad player. Will Smallbone is one of us and he’s far from a villain.
— Saints Chants 🗯 (@SFC_Chants) February 29, 2024
“Will Smallbone, he’s one of our own” at the top of my lungs on Saturday. Feel free to join me. #SaintsFC
Lot of #SaintsFC fans showing their ignorance re Smallbone. Receives under pressure, gives us a bit of everything, covers for other, less disciplined players. But he’s ultimately a ‘water carrier’ so it’s only the switched-on fans who even notice him. Until he makes a mistake. https://t.co/YFxPH5p5Tg
— Large father (@shirleymush) February 29, 2024
Smallbone, who lives with alopecia, was rewarded for his early performances with a new three-year contract at St Mary's in August.
He could be in line to feature again for Saints when Martin's side visit Birmingham City on Saturday, March 2 (3pm).
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