It’s been 10 days since the incident-packed Merseyside Derby but we’re still talking about it.We’re not still talking about the quality of the 2-2 draw. We’re not still talking about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s ridiculous leap for his goal. We’re not still talking about Mohamed Salah scoring his 100th Liverpool goal.Instead, we’re still talking about Jordan Pickford’s horror tackle on Virgil van Dijk.Pickford went unpunished for his lunge on the Liverpool defender, which is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.That Van Dijk was adjudged to be marginally saved Pickford was conceding a penalty and being sent off for his shocking challenge.But it’s also seen increased anger towards the goalkeeper with some suggested he should be retrospectively banned for his role in the injury.
But that anger has been taken too far.
That’s because, according to the Daily Mail, Pickford has hired bodyguards to protect him and his family after he received death threats and online abuse.
Pickford, who has a one-year-old child, has created a ‘ring of steel’ around his family with growing fears he could be targeted by rival fans.
England’s No.1 asked a specialist security firm to look after him with bodyguards outside his £2.5million home in Cheshire, where he lives with his wife Megan and one-year-old son.
The security experts were telling the family to stay off all social media in case they accidentally alert people to their whereabouts.
A source said: “Jordan has been shocked by the level of abuse he has received since the match. He is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure his family is kept safe.”
To think that he’s worried about the safety of his one year son and his wife is shocking.
Last week, Merseyside Police revealed they were investigating abusive tweets sent to Pickford and teammate Richarlison - who was shown a red card in the match for a shocking tackle on Thiago.
When will football fans learn that these players are human beings and online abuse is simply unacceptable?