Man, 20, charged over alleged death threats to Newcastle Knights player James Schiller

New South Wales police have charged a man for allegedly sending death threats and abusive messages to a Newcastle Knights star.

NSW Police have charged a 20-year-old man for allegedly making death threats and sending vile messages to Knights winger James Schiller last week.

Schiller copped a barrage of abuse on his social media following Newcastle’s 26-22 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles last week.

Schiller had a mixed performance, committing five errors, missing four tackles, and giving away three penalties but also scored and produced several moments of brilliance in the Knights’ comeback win.

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But after the Knights’ incredible victory, Schiller returned to the dressing room over the moon, only to open his phone to see several vile threats aimed in his direction.

“Count your days c--- I will end your f---ing life,” the private message to Schiller read.

“Doesn’t make up for it even though you won … “Five errors, two penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree. I hope Dane (Gagai) jams his c--- down your throat and you choke and die.”

A man has been charged over alleged death threats (inset) sent to James Schiller (right). Image: Instagram/Getty

The threats directed at Schiller were addressed by Knights coach Adam by O’Brien following the game, who labelled it “worrying”.

“That is worrying,” O’Brien said.

“I want to protect them … and for him to go through that over a couple of errors … it’s a game of footy.

“He’s got a family. That’s partly the reason why you do want to protect them. “I think it’s a societal problem, isn’t it? It’s not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. “I understand there is some legislation, and I think at the moment it’s in the hands of authorities to try and help in this situation with James.

James Schiller had a mixed bag against Manly. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

“We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.”

Lake Macquarie Detectives launched an investigation into the incident after Schiller was reportedly shaken up by the ordeal.

It led to them arresting and charging a 20-year-old man on Friday.

The man was charged with use of carriage service to menace/harass/offend.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30.

Police have the authority to charge individuals for threats made through social media and this incident isn’t the first of its kind.

In 2021, two men were charged after sending abusive or threatening messages to NRL star Latrell Mitchell on social media.

Originally published as Man, 20, charged over alleged death threats to Newcastle Knights player James Schiller