Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham calls on social media companies to do more to tackle online abuse | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham has called for social media companies to do more to tackle online hate.

The Real Madrid midfielder has released an article as an ambassador for Laureus, discussing his decision not to use social media and opening up on the challenges athletes face.

“With the development of social media and technology, there’s more ways to attack someone, to make them feel down, and I think there’s still a stigma around talking about mental health,” he said.

“I know there’s been times where I’ve felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to and, instead, I’ve tried to keep up this macho athlete image of, ‘I don’t need anyone’.

“The truth is that I do, everyone does. And you’ll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions.

“I still think athletes are seen as people who should shut up and take it, which is an old-fashioned outlook. The love a sportsperson receives is outstanding.

“But for every person or people who loves you there are others who despise you for the team you play for, or something you’ve done. That hate can be really tough for athletes and I can really empathise with those who struggle with their mental health.

“Everyone is allowed their opinion on sport, but there should be limits to the horrible things you can say. I’m not sure how you can limit that on social media apps, but I think the support network around athletes are important.”