Former Newcastle goalkeeper, Steve Harper, was forced to close his twitter account less than an hour after a move to Sunderland following an onslaught of abusive tweets from angry fans.
The 40-year-old shot stopper spent 20 years at Newcastle from 1993 until 2013 before moving to Hull until he was released at the end of last season. He had remained a fan favourite despite his limited opportunies as he served as backup to Tim Krul and Shay Given for much of his time at the club. That has changed now, however, with news of his move to Newcastle's arch rivals.
Harper may not be welcome at St.James' Park anymore but it was not just the Newcastle fans who were partaking in the abusive tweeting.
Newcastle AND Sunderland fans abusing Steve Harper are moronic. Served the Mags loyally & great the Easington lad's now home with us. End of
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) January 23, 2016
Harper made 157 appearances in the black and white of Newcastle and spent loan spells at no less than six clubs through his 20 years at the club.
