Halsey sent off Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey in the first half and then awarded United a hottly-debated penalty which helped the Manchester side secure a 2-1 win over their fierce rivals.
Liverpool fans took to twitter after the game to vent their frustrations, in direct reference to Halsey’s 2009 fight against throat cancer.
“I hope Mark Halsey gets cancer again and dies,” tweeted johnwareing1m with a post from lfcjohn259 reading “Mark Halsey should’ve died of cancer”.
Officials’ union Prospect have condemned the tweets, which have both been deleted.
Prospect national secretary Alan Leighton said in a statement: “Prospect wholeheartedly condemns the unacceptable abuse aimed at Mark Halsey on twitter. The comments made by a very small minority will be seen as beneath contempt by al decent people.
The main concern now is for Mark and his family, who are receiving the support of his employer, PGMOL (Professional game Match Officials Limited). Prospect will also provide any assistance as required.”
Photo: Getty.
