Wolfsburg condemn "personal attacks" aimed at Joakim Mæhle online | OneFootball

In the aftermath of their relegation play-off defeat to SC Paderborn last night, VfL Wolfsburg have condemned the online abuse received by Joakim Mæhle who was sent off in the 14th-minute of the 2-1 loss:

"The disappointment and pain following our relegation run deep – for our fans, for all our staff, and of course, within the team. Especially in moments like these, criticism, anger, and discussion are part of football.

"However, the personal attacks, insults, and even threats Joakim Maehle is currently experiencing cross all boundaries. Our relegation is not the responsibility of a single player.

"It is the consequence of a disappointing season in which we, as a club, were not good enough for months. We all share the responsibility for this. Joakim Maehle gave everything for VfL Wolfsburg this season. 

"Anyone who saw him in the stadium's catacombs yesterday, Monday, knows the burden this player already carries. But mistakes are part of football.

“Personal attacks and threats, on the other hand, must never be a part of it.We stand united behind Joakim and his family and condemn all forms of hatred and threats of violence in the strongest possible terms”. 

The statement published this afternoon, Tuesday 26 May, on the Lower Saxony club's social media channels clearly spoke out against the backlash received by the Danish full-back who was wrongfully singled out for the team's demise.