Spanish footballer Sergio Camello has publicly revealed receiving explicit death threats and wishes of cancer after a recent goalless draw, highlighting the severe online abuse faced by athletes.
The 24-year-old Rayo Vallecano forward shared a screenshot of the abusive message he received. The message included graphic insults and wishes for him to “get cancer and drop dead on the field.”
The threats followed Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Oviedo, a match where Camello started but was substituted in the 70th minute. The sender of the message specifically criticized his performance, asking, “What the hell is wrong with shooting at goal?”
Sergio Camello, Rayo Vallecano forward, has received death threats with graphic insults: “May you get cancer and drop dead on the field.” pic.twitter.com/f2P9bW1H7C
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 6, 2023
Camello’s public disclosure has drawn attention to the persistent issue of online harassment targeting professional sports figures. Fans and fellow players have expressed support for the forward.
This is the message from a Rayo Vallecano fan to Sergio Camello after the death threats:
“We are with you, Camello. No fan wants a bad result for their team, but in football there are mistakes and sometimes things don’t go well, and that is understandable.” pic.twitter.com/T5s7e0fO6w
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 6, 2023
This season, Camello has registered two goals and three assists for Rayo Vallecano.