Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a strong message to former footballers over 'clickbait' rage baiting
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk(Image: LFC TV)
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes ex-professional footballers have a responsibility to help prevent the current generation being "bullied" on social media. Van Dijk has in recent weeks brought to light the pressures faced by younger players regards the abuse they receive online following disappointing results or performances.
The 34-year-old in particular highlighted the impact of deliberately inflammatory negative comments from former professionals aimed at generating engagement on social media and websites.
And while readily accepting criticism is part and part of the game, Van Dijk believes there is a line that is too often being crossed at present.
"The thing is, I think, (the noise) is always going to be (there), that's been since day one when I walked into the club, so that is not the issue," said the Liverpool centre-back.
"The thing is, listen, that comes with it and I mentioned over the last (few months). I had an interview with Paul Joyce of The Times and we spoke about the role social media has and I can deal with it but I am a bit worried about the next generation. It's not as easy as everyone thinks (to deal with it).
"I can say whatever I want in this case, but I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation in my opinion.
"Criticism is absolutely normal and part of the game and should stay there but sometimes criticism also becomes clickbait, you know, saying things to provoke things and without thinking about the repercussions and the mental side of things, especially for the younger players who are constantly on social media.
"And you say 'oh well, don't be on social media' and that is what I have mentioned many times. Do I say that to younger players? Yes, 100%. Especially there is always this thing that when you play a good game the younger players check the positive phrases or when you have a less good game you are getting bullied all over social media and you are getting criticism, it can really affect you.
"And I see that with certain players in the past now as well because it is just not easy."
Speaking to Sky Sports in an interview with Gary Neville, Van Dijk added: "We can say you should just deal with it but I think it is going to get worse and worse because the platforms nowadays, how it goes, clickbait, the headlines, everyone is just on it constantly.
"I feel like the ex-pros, the top players who have been through everything as well, the highs and the lows, they have this responsibility of protecting a little bit of that side as well, even if they are part of a bigger company or audience.
"Like I said, criticism is part of the game and that should stay there, that is absolutely normal, especially from ex-pros that have been there in that particular situation and have dealt with it in a certain way or with a better outcome but I think it is maybe something to look at."
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