Thierry Henry: Social Media Is Not A Safe Place, There Is Abuse

Thierry Henry (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Thierry Henry believes social media is no longer a safe place for football players, who are often harassed through comments on their accounts.

The former Barcelona striker has grown increasingly frustrated by racial harassment and intimidation on social media and recently decided to deactivate all of his social accounts.

"Recently there have been quite a few, abused players," Henry told Good Morning Britain.

"I just don't think it's a safe place right now.

"People experience racial abuse but, when you look at that statement, I am also talking about bullying and harassment which can cause mental problems.

"People kill themselves because of that. It's very difficult to eradicate everything, but could it be safer?

"We all know that it is a great tool but many people use it as a weapon. Why? Because they can hide behind fake accounts.

"I know that a small part of the world uses it as a weapon. Can it be safer? That's all I ask. I'll go back there, when it's safe."

Henry announced he was withdrawing from social media last Friday, but did not rule out reactivating his account if the platform took action against cyberbullying.

"Hey my friends, starting tomorrow morning I will remove myself from social media until the people in power can manage their platforms with the same force and ferocity they do today when you violate copyright," Henry wrote on Instagram.

"The amount of racism, oppression, and mental abuse caused by individuals is too toxic to ignore.

"There has to be accountability. It's too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without any consequences and remain anonymous.

"Until this changes, I will deactivate my account on all social platforms. I hope this happens soon."