Chelsea boss Hayes fears social media abuse could lead to suicides

Almost a year after the social media blackout of British football, the country is still struggling with homophobic and racist abuse directed at players on social media. Many observers have warned against the mental consequences of such acts before, but the FA’s anti-abuse efforts have proved to be less effective than anticipated.

Chelsea women’s coach

Emma Hayes

was asked whether she would restrict her players’ online presence if she was able to.

"100 per cent,"

Hayes told 

.

"Yeah, I would if I could, but we have to live with it.

"And if we're going to live with it, then those that profit from it should take responsibility. And if not, our national governments should force them to eradicate a culture of hate.

"There is no denying there are vulnerable athletes with mental health issues across the board that - off the back of a bad game or off of being a woman, or being gay, or being of different colour, or ethnicity - experience vile, abusive messages that could certainly put them in a position where they could contemplate [suicide].”

She added:

"We will be talking about the more severe ends of people taking their lives.

"I have to live it every day. I have to manage young people and then the impact that has on them and their internal struggle, that translates into massive underperformance."

Chelsea women are looking to secure back-to-back Women’s Super League triumphs under Hayes. Having collected three points from their first two games of the campaign, the Blues will face Manchester United in their next league match on Sunday.

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