This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
On June 20, 2020, Brighton and Hove Albion's Neal Maupay scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Premier League, sparking a heated reaction from the opposing team.
However, the celebration was marred by a collision between Maupay and Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, which left the latter injured and taken off on a stretcher.
Days later, a 19-year-old named Derek Ng De Ren sent Maupay death threats over Instagram, stating, 'You think you will get away for injuring Leno? No way in hell bruv... But don't worry you will be safe, you won't be hurt. It's more fun watching you feel pain when your loved ones go through suffering.'
Ng sent a total of four threatening messages to Maupay, with the last one stating, 'You think by reporting my account you're safe? I will kill you and your family.'
As reported by The Athletic, the Premier League took action, tracking the location of the messages and filing a police complaint in August 2020.
The league also announced their intention to support Maupay through the legal proceedings, stating, 'The Premier League takes online abuse seriously and is committed to supporting players, managers and their families who receive such messages.'
Ng is now being tried in Singapore for using 'threatening words with the intent to cause distress' under the Protection from Harassment Act, with the possibility of up to six months in jail and a fine of $5,000.
