NEWPORT County AFC reported abusive messages sent to Kevin Ellison to the police as they prepare for a social media boycott.
The Exiles will go silent on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram this weekend even though they could seal a League Two play-off place by beating title-chasing Cheltenham.
On Saturday it was announced that all EFL clubs would join those in the Premier League in taking a stand against racism and discrimination, a move that has been followed by a number of sporting organisations.
Just days later veteran forward Ellison was the victim of online abuse and County have reported the messages.
Manager Michael Flynn has long voiced his concerns about what is allowed on social media – he came off Twitter and earlier this season revealed vile messages regarded his selection of striker Ryan Taylor.
On the boycott he said: “"It's a very good idea and gesture. The social media companies have to take responsibility for the vile abuse that they continue to allow to be put onto their platforms.
"It's disgusting, Kevin Ellison had something the other night that has been dealt with. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
“Some of the things that I have seen are disgusting and people need to made accountable for what they think is acceptable. It's an absolute disgrace what people get away with.
"It's fine to criticise a performance or a result but nobody has the right to throw about abuse. Personal abuse is wrong and needs to be stopped.
"It's so much easier to put negative things out there and people seem to get off on it."
#StopOnlineAbuse pic.twitter.com/EYM0sHYtct
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) April 30, 2021
In March, in the week of the disappearance of Sarah Everard in London, Flynn was notified of a message regarding his selection of Taylor.
“What they say outside of here is a joke,” said Flynn after the win against Morecambe. “My daughter sent me a message before the game of somebody abusing Ryan Taylor.
“They said that he must have my daughter kidnapped and that's disgusting. My daughter is 20 and can understand this. For people to bring that in is disgusting.”
County will stop social media activity from 3pm until 11.59pm on Monday.
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