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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Tom Coleman

A group of schoolchildren just wrote the most perfect messages to Liam Williams after he was abused

Rugby-loving schoolchildren have been penning heartfelt messages to Liam Williams, after the Wales star found himself on the end of appalling social media abuse following the dramatic defeat to France.

France overcame a 10-point deficit during an astonishing final eight minutes to claim a 32-30 win at the Stade de France, ending Wales' hopes of a historic Grand Slam.

Williams, who joined Taulupe Faletau in the sin bin shortly before his side's capitulation, subsequently found himself in the firing line of critics after the game.

Sadly, a small section of fans on social media sent him vile abuse, with the WRU publishing the messages sent to the Scarlets full-back after the game.

It has once again opened up the debate on what more can be done to combat online abuse sent to players.

Now, Year five students at Penywaun Primary in Aberdare have been doing their best to offer some positivity.

One such message read: "You did well on Saturday, keep it up. Just ignore those mean comments!

"And please don't be sad or upset. You are a good player that's the end of story. One of them called you a wet wipe and that's not nice. So please play more rugby. The only thing that matters is that you're happy."

The player himself responded to the messages on social media, tweeting: "Love these. Thank you guys."

Later on, he wrote a tweet on his own page that simply read: "Gutted to come up short against an incredible French side. Thank you to everyone who supports us - whatever the outcome."

In highlighting the abuse sent to Williams, the WRU have publicly called for more to be done to combat abuse sent to players online.

"The players are proud to represent their country and their jersey.

"The abuse players are receiving has to stop."

"In order to help drive the call for change, the players want to highlight the amount of abuse and bile that circulates on social media platforms. We value our fans' support in the matter."

Meanwhile, Williams' fiancée Sophie Harries added: "Name and shame I say. Disgraceful and cowardly".

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