Jose Enrique has backed former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum over social media abuse, suggesting that social media platforms could better identify abusers if users are required to issue ID to have an online presence.
This follows from the Dutch international’s comments regarding abuse suffered from a minority of fans online.
“It doesn’t affect me, but I am a little surprised Gini would come out and speak about these messages he’s received on social media,” the former Red told Empire of the Kop.
“I agree with him that it’s something that shouldn’t be there. I believe it’s very difficult and that the clubs could do something.
“With social media – and I’ve said this for many years – you should have to provide your passport, or an ID, like you would do with your accounts.
“Right now, anyone can comment anything and they can say whatever they like in the moment – with a fake profile, they can tell you anything.”
The 30-year-old midfielder has since made a switch to the French top-flight with Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris St. Germain.
READ MORE: Another Liverpool star could join Wijnaldum at PSG, says ex-Red
The use of ID would almost certainly stamp out social media abuse, as those responsible for online platforms will be able to identify and punish harmful behaviour online.
There’s no question that the lack of a suitable contract from the Liverpool hierarchy played a defining role in Wijnaldum’s decision to run down his contract at Anfield.
Nonetheless, it’s vital that the former No.5’s experience with online abuse isn’t undermined and taken seriously by those caretakers responsible for looking after the integrity of social media platforms.
Forcing users to issue ID in order to maintain an online presence would be a strong first step in the right direction to abolishing harmful behavior online.
Shaqiri could be about to hand Liverpool a HUGE double boost in their bid to sign Saul Niguez