Leon Balogun Wants Tougher Punishment for Irate Fans Who Abuse Players Online

• Leon Balogun says social media is the root cause of online abuse of players
• The Super Eagles defender is pushing for change online from supporters
• Balogun was part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Leon Balogun has kicked against the constant abuse suffered online by footballers from angry supporters and has blamed social media for the increase in the disgraceful habit.

Alex Iwobi was the latest footballer to suffer from fan bullying online after the Fulham midfielder was targeted by fans following Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

According to The Telegraph Online, Balogun, who currently plays for Rangers in Scotland, says that because a fan buys a ticket to watch a game, it does not give them the right to hurl abusive words at a footballer on or off the football pitch.

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"Some people, not the majority, feel because they have paid for a ticket to come to the stadium, that it somehow automatically gives them the right to abuse you. There are people who just want to voice their frustration at you in a very inappropriate way."

Balogun, who has had stints in the Premier League and the Bundesliga, believes more still needs to be done by football authorities to stop the ugly trend, as some fans believe they can always get away with their actions.

Balogun wants online abusers punished

Meanwhile, Balogun has emphasised the importance of establishing a code of conduct and holding individuals accountable for their actions when speaking during a FIFPRO session on X (formerly Twitter) space, Soccernet reports.

The Super Eagles defender advocated that fans found guilty of engaging in abusive behaviour should face severe consequences, including police intervention.

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Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, Balogun was called up by Nigeria for a March 2014 friendly against Mexico and has made over 40 appearances for the Super Eagles.

Iwobi suffers online abuse from fans

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles star Iwobi wiped his Instagram account following relentless abuse on social media following Nigeria’s AFCON final loss to Ivory Coast.

Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, urged fans to stop attacking the midfielder, adding that the team has rallied around the Fulham man.

Nigeria led in the first half but conceded twice in the second half against the host nation, ending in a devastating 2-1 loss.