Burnley ‘offering support’ to Erik Pieters after social media abuse following handball against Arsenal that wasn’t given
ERIK PIETERS is receiving support from Burnley after receiving a torrent of online abuse following the Arsenal match.
Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty at Turf Moor, after the ball struck Pieters’ arm in the penalty box from Nicolas Pepe’s cross.
VAR deemed the incident to be fair and denied the Gunners a penalty and potential winner.
The left-back has since been the victim of online abuse, with messages attacking his wife – former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Nermina – and their unborn child sent to his Instagram.
Burnley are aware of the abuse and released a statement suggesting support has been offered to Pieters and his family.
It read, “We are aware of online abuse directed at Erik Pieters following yesterday’s game.
“Thanks to all who have highlighted it.
“We are in contact with all relevant parties and offering our support to Erik and his family.”
Mikel Arteta felt his side should have been given a penalty, despite match officials explaining the ball had only travelled a short distance.
It was an eventful game for Pieters who also had a red card overturned by VAR.
Abuse for players has been rife on social media this season, and led the government to demand action from companies such as Twitter and Facebook.
Instagram has also vowed to ban online trolls who racially abuse footballers, with numerous players being subject to such vilification this year.
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A number of Burnley supporters offered their support to the defender via his Instagram account.
The defender has a strong affinity to the club and its supporters after spending the last two years at Turf Moor.
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