After a barrage of threats on social media, Jordan Pickford has hired security for his home and his family after fears for the safety of his household.
The 2-2 draw in the most recent Merseyside derby was overshadowed by Pickford’s endangering challenge on Dutch international Virgil van Dijk, who was later confirmed by Liverpool as needing to undergo knee surgery following damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Pickford was subject to a torrid wave of abuse after the incident.
A source told the Daily Mail:
‘Jordan has been shocked by the level of abuse he has received since the match. He is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure his family is kept safe.’
Pickford has recruited a specialist personal security firm to protect the EbglandEngland international and his family.
Last week bodyguards were reportedly guarding the outside of Pickford’s home in Cheshire, where he lives with his wife Megan and his infant one-year-old son. Security experts are currentlyare currently advising the family to stay off all social media in case they alert people as to their whereabouts.
The concerning news comes after Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling questioned whether there is the will among social media companies to combat online abuse towards footballers, after a new study highlighted the severity and scale of the issue – of which Pickford now appears to be the latest victim of.
It was also previously reported that Merseyside Police were investigating a number of harmful messages aimed towards Richarlison and Pickford, who were competing in the hotly contested Merseyside derby a few weeks ago.
Read Everton Verdict
This story highlights the toxicity surrounding the way in which fans personally engage with footballers on social media.
Whilst superficially an extreme measure by Pickford, it is as regrettable as it is understandable that he would feel threatened by the environment created towards him.
The ill-feeling towards him is unsurprising given that Everton’s rivals Liverpool will have to trudge on through the rest of the season without a key player as a consequence of his challenge, though the abuse and threats are as unwarranted as they are disgustingly low.
