Socceroos rally around Robbie Kruse after social media trolls target him and his family
THE Socceroos have leapt to the defence of Robbie Kruse after the winger and his family were targeted by online trolls making violent threats after Australia’s draw with Denmark.
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THE Socceroos have leapt to the defence of Robbie Kruse after the winger received vile online abuse and threats following Australia’s draw with Denmark in Samara.
Kruse bore the brunt of fan outrage on social media for the second match running at this World Cup, with many calling for his immediate axing in favour of younster Daniel Arzani.
But the criticism turned personal, leading to Kruse’s brother being forced to shut down their parents’ Facebook accounts.
Really disappointing to see this sort of stuff.
— Dean (Дин) Rosario (@DeanRosario) June 22, 2018
Our team - all 23 in the squad - are making me incredibly proud in Russia.
Why do some nasty, anonymous people feel compelled to single out certain players for such attacks> https://t.co/B2ZLV2jMZK
The contents of some tweets posted during Australia’s draw with Denmark are so vile - threatening violence and aggression - we will not publish them.
Socceroos defender Mark Milligan said the criticism wouldn’t distract the team ahead of Tuesday’s decisive final group game against Peru, but admitted it was disappointing people would go to those lengths over a game of football.
“Robbie, as we all do, probably doesn’t read into those things too much,” Milligan told reporters in Kazan on Friday.
“It’s much more important about what we think of each other than everybody else. When on the field we’re the only ones who can help us.
“It’s not just Robbie, he’s been fantastic for a long time for us an I’m not the only one thinking that.
“He’ll be ready (to face Peru). It’s much more important what we think about each other than what’s said on the outside.
“It’s unfortunate that some people sometimes forget it’s just a game, we’re doing our best to entertain and represent our families and countries.
“As I say, it’s an unfortunate situation. We try to stay away and have thick skin. It’s disappoint people forget we go out to do that [to perform], we always try our best. It’s not good to see it go that far [death threats].”
A host of football players, pundits and fans have offered their support to Kruse, who cruelly missed the 2014 World Cup after injuring his knee on the eve of the tournament.
Robbie Kruse is aware of the abuse he is copping on social media. Warranted or not, that makes me sick in the stomach. Regardless of opinions, some things dont need to be said on here. Ahhh one day I hope be able to say & do what I please to keyboard warriors 🤠#2018FIFAWorldCup
— Taylor Regan (@taylorreegs) June 22, 2018
The criticism of Robbie Kruse in social media is vile. The guy has fought hard to come back from injury to fulfil his dream - and that of most of the haters - to play at a World Cup. Champion player but a better bloke
— David Mason (@masokicks) June 22, 2018
This is terrible. The level of criticism and hate towards Robbie Kruse is disgusting and disgraceful. https://t.co/dJHqqyOOnv
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) June 22, 2018