Newcastle Vipers players left rude messages on Facebook

Jan 31 2010 by Sara Nichol, Sunday Sun

The mother, who wished to stay anonymous, said: “I am a Vipers fan who attends as many games as possible and is very proud of the set-up within the Vipers organisation, especially with their work in local schools and as role models.

“But I was disgusted to see that, after their amazing performance in Belfast last Sunday, some of the players had disgraced themselves by utilising Facebook, a site my children use to add their favourite players.

“I refer to Mr R Lawson’s Facebook page and the comments and use of foul language referring to the smell of a bus. Is this really appropriate for children as young as eight, including my own, to have access to?”

Mr Lawson then later leaves a further comment on his page referring to the earlier messages, which said: “Can I just clarify, these are the views of Nathan Salem, and in no way represent the views expressed by the Vipers organisation.”

A spokesman for the Vipers said: “Having heard this, something will be suggested to the players that this site is a public forum and they should probably be a bit more discreet with their comments.

“As for our young fans, and our fans in general, we have great respect for them - they are some of the best fans in the world that follow us through thick and thin.

“I’m sorry some of them have been offended and steps will be taken to speak to the guys who made the comments.”