Sunderland fan sought over ‘hateful comments’ about Gary Speed | UK News

An investigation has been launched to track down a Sunderland fan who posted ‘hateful comments’ online about the death of former footballer Gary Speed.

A post was shared on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the Wear-Tyne derby saw Sunderland lose 3-0 to rivals Newcastle in the third round of the FA Cup at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The post, which Metro.co.uk has chosen not to publish, mocked the 2011 death of the late Newcastle midfielder and Wales manager.

It was branded ‘truly vile’ by social media users, who reported it to police.

One Newcastle fan, sharing a screenshot of the post, wrote: ‘We may be rivals on the football pitch but this is absolutely disgusting, Speed was a gentleman and more of a man than you will ever be, rivalry aside we unite in trying to beat the stigma about men feeling like they have to kill themselves when they feel alone #NUFC #SAFC.’

Northumbria Police has now launched a probe to find the user, who has deleted the post and their X account.

The force said in a statement: ‘We are aware of a post which appears to make hateful comments about the late footballer, Gary Speed.

‘An investigation is underway to identify anyone responsible.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force quoting log NP-20240107-0254.

Speed, a married father of two, took his own life aged 42. He was found dead at his home on November 27, 2011.

He also played for Sheffield United, Bolton, Everton and Leeds during his career.

Close friend and TV presenter Dan Walker paid tribute to the footballer on the 10^th anniversary of his death –  urging anyone who needs help to speak out.

Last week, a Newcastle fan was banned from every stadium in the country after he was caught on camera making vile remarks about the Munich Air Disaster.

James Blake, 42, was arrested after footage of his ‘hate speech’ circulated on social media following Newcastle United’s clash with Manchester City on September 27.

Elsewhere, two Millwall fans were booted out of their own club’s football grounds after making ‘offensive gestures’ reportedly mocking the death of former Leicester owner and billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2018 alongside four other people.

The Metropolitan Police told Sky News ‘two men were detained and ejected’ from the grounds, ahead of the club’s FA Cup third round tie against Leicester City on Saturday.

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