Celtic striker Anthony Stokes in UVF Twitter death threat

Published on 03/12/2012 12:08

CELTIC striker Anthony Stokes has received a death threat on Twitter after claims that the footballer attended a tribute in memory of a notorious Irish gangster.

• Anthony Stokes issued with death threat on Twitter

• Threat comes after claims Celtic striker attended tribute to notorious Irish gangster

The Irish international was subjected to abuse by a user going by the name of @gonzo1690, who said he hoped that notorious paramilitary group Ulster Volunteer Force would “put a bullet” in his head.

“Hope the UVF put a bullet in your head you f****** p****,” the anonymous user said.

In the same tweet, the user added: “If I ever see you you’re getting smashad [sic] ya c***.”

The 23-year-old striker suggested that he may contact police over the abusive tweets, writing: “Do I need to send this to the police or do they just pick up on it?”

The abuse comes after claims that the former Hibs and Arsenal forward had attended a benefit event in Dublin for murdered Irish gangster Alan Ryan, a senior figure within the Real IRA.

Ryan died last September after being shot outside his home. Several bullets from a Glock handgun were discharged into his chest, after which the gunman shot him in the head.

Twitter users united to condemn the abuse received by Stokes. One user, Tam Selleck CSC, wrote: “This coward @gonzo1690 just told Stokes he hopes the UVF put a bullet in his head. Won’t be smiling in court.”

Another poster tweeted: “Anybody placing bets on when @gonzo1690 will get a chap on his door from police?”