Tottenham’s Son targeted by sick trolls on Instagram after reckless tackle on Everton’s Andre Gomes
SPURS star Son Heung-min has been targeted with abuse by trolls on Instagram after his challenge on Andre Gomes left the Everton star with a broken ankle.
One branded the distraught Tottenham midfielder a "butcher"; and a "killer" while another warned him that karma would strike.
Everton midfielder Gomes was rushed to hospital with a broken and dislocated ankle following the horrific 78th-minute collision.
His team-mate Cenk Tosun recalled the nightmare scene, saying: "I could hear him screaming. His eyes were open so big. I just tried to hold him."
The Toffees are investigating alleged racist abuse aimed at Son in the aftermath.
But it was online that the South Korean bore the brunt of anger - even though the feeling was mostly one of sympathy for his situation.
- Son breaks down in tears as Gomes screams in agony from broken ankle
- Proof Martin Atkinson changed his mind on Son red card after horror Gomes injury
- Prem release statement on why Son was sent off after Gomes leg horror
- Everton confirm surgery for Gomes on Monday after breaking right ankle
- Everton stars including Coleman went into Spurs dressing room to comfort Son
- Son 'in Spurs changing room in tears refusing to lift head' after Gomes woe
- Tosun recalls harrowing moment Andre Gomes lay crying in shock with his eyes wide open after Son tackle
In between a flurry of comments wishing Son well and telling him it was not his fault, one user wrote: "You have destroyed Andre's career. You do not deserve to play football anymore butcher, killer.
"See what you did with him. That's revenge, not a tackle."
Another said: "Shame on you! You'll be banned forever. Stop crying like a little girl and acting like you care."
A fellow user posted: "THE KILLER @hm_son7."
Another said: "Dirty f***ing hack."
One comment warned: "Karma will get you back."
One wrote: "Hope you can't sleep at night. Karma is coming."
And another said: "What you did to Andre Gomes is criminal. You should be banned until Andre starts playing again."
Premier League chiefs released a statement explaining why Son was sent off.
Referee Martin Atkinson had a yellow card in his hand to begin with.
But this was changed to a straight red once the scale of the injury became clear.
Spurs are thought to be appealing the red, which Pochettino branded "unbelievable".
Gomes' distraught Everton team-mates are unlikely to visit him in hospital today because he will be on such a "strong dose of painkillers".
