Moore was the subject of a Twitter poll that described him using a derogatory term; Reading captain said: "You have to stand for something and for that reason I'm deactivating my account"; Multiple clubs began social media boycotts this week
Saturday 10 April 2021 10:24, UK
Reading captain Liam Moore has deactivated his Twitter account after highlighting racist abuse on the platform.
In one of his posts before taking the account down, Moore highlighted a poll created by a user that included a derogatory term to describe him, and argued Twitter is "making it easy" to abuse people.
His final tweet said: "I have enjoyed engaging with many of you over the years on here but tonight was just another example of Twitter being toxic!
"You have to stand for something and for that reason I'm deactivating my account.
"Thanks for your support."
Moore joins a growing list of players who have been subjected to online abuse in recent weeks, but also a list of people prepared to leave social media.
In March, former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry described racism on social media as "too toxic to ignore" and disabled all of his accounts following the instances of abuse on the platform.
This Thursday, Sky Bet Championship clubs Swansea City and Birmingham City announced they were boycotting social media for one week following a spate of "abhorrent" racial abuse on platforms.
Scottish Premiership champions Rangers joined them, announcing a player and management team social media boycott in response to online abuse and discrimination. Manager Steven Gerrard said he is "frustrated and angry" at social media companies about continued online abuse.
A spokesperson for Twitter said: "Alongside our partners in football, we condemn racism in all its forms.
"Racist behaviour, abuse and harassment have absolutely no place on our service. At Twitter, protecting the health of the public conversation is essential to us, and this means making sure Twitter is a safe place to express yourself and follow the conversation about football, without fear of abuse or intimidation."
Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.
For more information, please visit: www.skysports.com/hatewontstopus
If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class please copy the URL to the hateful post or screengrab it and email us here.
Online Reporting Form | Kick It Out
Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation - working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.
