As any social media-savvy football fan knows, Twitter can be a wild place when it comes to airing your views regarding certain players, coaches, teams or events.
Over the past decade social networking sites have transformed the media landscape, giving every fan a platform to air their views to anyone who will listen in a very public forum.
Players, their representatives and families all have first-hand access to praise and criticism and an open channel to discuss this directly with fans. While the majority will maintain their silence and heed the well-intentioned advice not to engage supporters on a one-on-one level, it is entirely understandable that they will want to react.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has been the subject of much online debate since the Whites' season ended in a play-off defeat to Derby County and on Friday evening, the Swedish international's brother Peter addressed some of the points being raised - and not for the first time.
Back in May, Peter rallied against the 'fake news from some ill-willing uninformed source' that suggested a bust-up between Jansson and Marcelo Bielsa and he has checked in again to answer some critics.
After reading one comment that suggested Pontus is 'not a team player', Peter was quick to respond.
"You have got that totally wrong," he posted. "Always gives 110% on the pitch. He has represented the club in social events hundred of times. Didnt complain being subbed against Derby and being his most important game ever. Stop the Whelan-influenced bs."
You have got that totally wrong. Always gives 110% on the pitch. He has represented the club in social events hundred of times. Didnt complain being subbed against Derby and being his most important game ever. Stop the Whelan-influenced bs.
— Peter Jansson (@pejansson) July 5, 2019
The reference to Noel Whelan is in response to comments earlier this year that the former Whites forward made about Pontus' future at the club, while Peter was also keen to remind fans of the plaudits that his brother recieved from both opponents and from Bielsa during the season.
"Isn't it then strange how the players and coaches of [Championship] put him in the team of the year..?," he asked. "That’s a savvy crowd. And In May, Bielsa said Pontus was rated highest within the team over the whole season...."
Isnt it then strange how the players and coaches of CS put him in the team of the year..? That’s a savvy crowd. And In May, Bielsa said Pontus was rated highest within the team over the whole season....
— Peter Jansson (@pejansson) July 5, 2019
Much of the ensuing debate centred around the scenes when Aston Villa played at Elland Road in April, where Bielsa instructed Leeds to let Villa walk the ball into the goal following Mateusz Klich's controversial goal.
Peter's rational take on the 'once in your career' situation ended with him opining that Bielsa had defended his brother's actions following the game.
Read Peter's responses to the criticism here:
Pontus, who has had an extended break this summer owing to his international commitments has been reportedly told to return to training on July 12, meaning he will miss the club's first two pre-season friendlies which take place on July 10 and 11 and is a doubt for their trip to Australia, as the club will fly out next weekend.
