By Hughie Southon
Michail Antonio has described fans abuse of Harry Maguire “actually embarrassing.”
The Hammers striker reckons the remarks against the Manchester United central defender are way out of line and ignore the man’s humanity.
The 30 year old scored an own goal against Scotland and the mockery became intense following much on various forums.
There was a huge outburst from Hammers fans when he was looking set for a transfer to the London Stadium followed by equally relieved comments when it didn’t happen.
Speaking on the Footballer Football Podcast Antonio said he had never seen this in football – how one person can be absolutely destroyed any time he does anything wrong, [even when] it’s not his fault and he’s just involved in it.”
He added that things had gone way too far and that it was “actually embarrassing,” said Antonio 33.
Maguire has claimed he can look after himself in the face of fan banter but Antonio says the defender’s humanity is being ignored.
He said: “People do forget that people are human and obviously this will affect them mentally. He went from being an unbelievable centre-half, I think one of the best in the Premier League when he was at Hull and Leicester, to half a man.
“He’s trying to stay strong, to rebuild himself. He believes in his ability. Right now it’s just not working for him.
“When I saw Gareth Southgate speak up, I was like ‘well done’. It should have been brought up before. It’s been a whole two years.”