After impressive performances for England at the end of last term and in pre-season, expectations were high that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere could get the new season off to an exciting start.
However, it was today confirmed that the 23-year-old would be sidelined for six to eight weeks after scans revealed that a hairline fracture to his right ankle following a heavy tackle from Gabriel Paulista in training.
And a section of Arsenal fans have reacted furiously to the news that Paulista was the culprit for Wilshere’s injury, with some taking to Twitter to send the defender death threats, such as this:
Thank you for ending my boy’s career and ruining my title dream. I swear to God if I see you I’ll kill you. Believe that @gpaulista5.
— 21ArsenalFC (@21ArsenaIIFC) August 5, 2015
A significant number of Gunners supporters, however, are disgusted that their own fans have responded in such a manner to one of the club’s players:
People tweeting Gabriel acting like he purposefully injured Wilshere. The state of you…
— B Larsen | Arsenal (@BLarsenAFC1886) August 5, 2015
How on earth do you justify Gabriel Paulista getting abuse cos his tackle gave Wilshere a 6week injury? Are tackles forbidden in training?
— ElektrikBlu (@EuginhoCortez) August 6, 2015
Disgusting from Arsenal fans. Threats to Paulista for a mistake that injured Wilshere. Shame. pic.twitter.com/3tKXUYw0mM
— VanGaal’s Briefcase (@ORohitO) August 6, 2015
Ignore the abuse @gpaulista5. It’s only a small number of idiot people who aren’t fans of the club.
— Kai (@ozrikk) August 5, 2015
Have to laugh at these “Arsenal” fans giving Gabriel Paulista abuse. It was a freak incident you morons.
— Donald Campbell (@DonClaneone) August 6, 2015