Express & Star

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings calls for social media blackout

Villa defender Tyrone Mings believes a football-led social media blackout could be the only way to stamp out online racial abuse.

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry recently quit platforms such as Twitter and Instagram in taking a stand over the abhorrent abuse.

And, after Albion goalscorer Callum Robinson was subjected to pictures of monkeys on Instagram after starring against Chelsea, Mings has backed Henry’s stance.

“I think it might get to a stage where the only alternative, if social media companies aren’t doing enough, is that we show unity and all come off, and by all I mean the clubs as well,” Mings said.

“If the clubs aren’t posting anything, the fans have nothing to engage with unfortunately, and obviously these social media platforms are engagement driven and viewer driven.

“But how do you make your point heard? How do you get people to take you seriously? Sometimes you have to hit those companies where it hurts, and that’s in their profit and their engagement.

“Who knows? Maybe it might get to that one day, I hope it doesn’t.

“I hope they are proactive in dealing with online abuse, but I certainly respect what Thierry Henry has done.”