Jack Stephens deleted his social media presence following a red card last week _(Image: PA)_
SAINTS manager Russell Martin warned against social media abuse after skipper Jack Stephens deactivated his Instagram account last week.
Stephens, 30, deleted his online presence in the wake of his sending-off in the 5-1 defeat against Chelsea - his second red card of the season.
Martin revealed the captain had suffered the bereavement of "somebody dear to him" in the build-up to the match and attended a funeral on Thursday.
And following online abuse suffered by midfielder Will Smallbone last season, Martin has warned against crossing the line in frustration.
"I don't think it ever should cross the line to personal abuse. I don't how can you abuse someone as a person when you just don't know them," said Martin.
Saints manager Russell Martin needs his side to turn their form around _(Image: PA)_
"It's the same as in anything, I think if you want to have judgement and be critical as a football player there's no problem but not as a person.
"Unless you know someone then I don't understand how you can be critical so I hope it hasn't gone into that. I'm sure people will be frustrated by Wednesday.
"I hope it hasn't got personal although I'm sure on social media and in the cesspit of X or Twitter whatever it's called now there will be some.
"But I think Jack is big enough and old enough to understand the reality of what that actually means, which is very little," concluded Martin.
Stephens is set to miss the next three fixtures in all competitions through suspension, having already been absent for Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
He will return to the squad for the home clash with relegation rivals West Ham on Boxing Day, with both club bosses potentially under pressure.
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