Serhou Guirassy urges action against online abuse

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy has made a strong call for social media platforms to immediately block users posting abusive comments, saying he personally distinguishes between acceptable criticism and unacceptable insults.

Speaking in an interview with the German Football League’s Bundesliga magazine, Absolut Fussball, the striker highlighted the growing problem of online abuse affecting footballers.

Guirassy said, “I wonder why some people are even allowed to use such platforms. Those who insult others should be blocked immediately. Criticism is fine, but insults are not”. He admitted that while he has learned to ignore anonymous insults from strangers, many of his colleagues cannot simply dismiss such hateful treatment.

“I personally don’t pay attention to anonymous insults from strangers, so I don’t care anymore. But not all of my colleagues can just ignore it. Nobody deserves that. I feel sorry for players when I see people on platforms like X insulting them,” he added.

The striker emphasized that young players face particular risks from online abuse, noting that “these hateful comments can knock a young player off course much faster”. With his own experience of difficult periods, Guirassy stressed, “But you can never give up. Many talents disappear from professional football after tough periods”.