THE FOOTBALLER received horrific abuse on social media following the death of his father.
Shane Duffy's mother has condemned the abuse her son receives on social media, saying "something needs to be done about these trolls".
This was in response to a message Duffy received on Instagram from a Rangers fan, which referenced the passing of his father. Brian Duffy passed away in May of 2020.
His mother, Siobhain, took to Twitter to demand action, saying: "What is wrong with people? This is my son who is dealing with the loss of his best friend and father. How dare they? There is limits, it’s a game of football. Get a grip."
What is wrong with people! This is my son who is dealing with the loss of his best friend and father. How dare they. There is limits😡 it’s a game of football. Get a grip . Something needs to be done about these trolls. As if mental health isn’t bad enough so much for #BeKind
— siobhain duffy (@brianduffy146) March 9, 2021
The Celtic defender shared an image of the message he received on his Instagram page, with the caption "Thanks Instagram", accompanied by a shrugging emoji.
A spokesperson for Celtic said: "This is yet another shameful and cowardly attack on Shane. Those responsible must be identified and the strongest action taken."
The account that sent the message has since been suspended, with the social media company saying that the user in question violated the Instagram guidelines.
Duffy is just the latest Irish footballer to share evidence of the abuse they receive online, with footballer James McClean and his wife Erin recently speaking out about the messages they get on a daily basis.