Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has demanded an investigation into social media abuse of Mason Mount following Chelsea's FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool
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| Mason Mount misses penalty in FA Cup final versus Liverpool |
Chelsea's hope of winning their ninth FA Cup was hampered by Liverpool in a penalty shootout contest on Saturday. It followed a goalless draw between the sides through ninety minutes and extra time.
Edouard Mendy stopped Sadio Mane from sealing a 5-4 shootout win for the Reds courtesy of Cesar Azpilicueta's miss that gave Jurgen Klopp's men the edge.
However the Blues' comeback short lived as Mason Mount kick was save by Alisson Becker, allowing Kostas Tsimikas to end the show.
Mount became the focus of subsequent abuse on social media after the loss, with online trolls labelling him a 'bottle job', the sole reason Chelsea lost a second domestic cup final of the season and was told in some quarters to 'f*** off'.
Cesar Azpilicueta had missed earlier in the shootout but it was Mount's kick that drew the ire of some fans on social media.
One user described Mount as the 'most protected player of all time' following the furious backlash to the abuse, which has been led by Tuchel.
"Nothing I can say will stop these guys doing it," an irritated Tuchel told reporters in the aftermath.
"I don't understand social media anyway. It has a huge impact and I don't get it.
"I'm not on social media and it keeps me healthy, more healthy than I would be on it. It's a very thin ice for everybody who is in such a spotlight to be out there.
"Abuse is not acceptable, be it here or on social media.
"If someone thinks he has the right to write it, we will not be able to stop him — but maybe we can investigate."
Teammates console Mount amid heavy abuse and trolls on social media
Mount's midfield partner Jorginho was quick to try and lift the spirits of his younger team-mate when it became apparent he was being blamed for the loss.
'Love you brother,' Jorginho wrote on Instagram. 'Keep your head up brother!'
Liverpool skipper but England teammate Jordan Henderson told Sky Sports: "You've got to be respectful to the opponent, especially with players you play with your national team
"You know how good they are and that they are good people. Especially in penalty shootouts, it's never nice for people to miss.
"I knew he'd be feeling really down and to be honest, he probably didn’t want me going over there thinking back, but I just wanted to give him a little bit of support because he's a top player, a great lad and he’s still very young.
"He's got the world at his feet and I'm sure he'll bounce back and when he gets the opportunity again, he'll step up and put the ball in the back of the net."