Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is disabling his social media accounts until platforms are properly regulated. 

The World Cup winner announced his decision in a statement on Twitter today, which reads:

"From tomorrow morning I will be removing myself from social media until the people in power are able to regulate their platforms with the same vigour and ferocity that they currently do when you infringe copyright. The sheer volume of racism, bullying and resulting mental torture to individuals is too toxic to ignore.

There HAS to be some accountability. It is far too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without consequence and still remain anonymous.

Until this changes, I will be disabling my accounts across all social platforms. I'm hoping this happens soon."

Thierry Henry has taken his stance in the wake of a number of high-profile incidents involving the abuse of footballers and criticism of companies such as Facebook and Twitter for what is seen by many as lax regulation.

A Kerry teenager was found guilty of racially abusing Ian Wright on Instagram.

Republic of Ireland international James McClean recently detailed to OTB Sports the horrific sectarian abuse he has suffered on social media.

And only this week, Republic of Ireland international Mark Travers was tagged for abuse by some social media users for his performance in the World Cup qualifier against Serbia.