Paddy Barnes has a message for online trolls

A true warrior of Irish boxing Paddy Barnes has hit back at the keyboard warriors who have had a go at him this week.

The Rio gold hopeful exited the Olympics at the first hurdle after losing out to Spaniard Samuel Carmona Heredia in a last 16 clash.

The two time bronze medal winner and three time Olympian explained post fight that making 49 kgs just proved too much for him at 29 and negatively affected his chances in what was still a close fight.

Rather than rejoice in the Barnes previous success and celebrate all he has achieved for Irish-boxing there were some who nigh on rejoiced in his defeat.

Some took to Twitter to criticise the Irish legend’s performance and indeed his own Twitter persona.

Irish fight fans and indeed some in the pugilist took serious umbrage to the online abuse, but Barnes paid no heed.

In a message to the ‘online trolls’ via Belfast Live the Irish Captain said,

“My message to the online trolls is a simple one: You don’t bother me.

“I’ve been accused of all sorts by the keyboard warriors since losing to Carmona Heredia.

“Some fools actually believe having a personality and a bit of craic on Twitter cost me a medal.

“What a load of nonsense. I was tweeting more at the 2012 London Olympics and won bronze.

“I know the online flak I received made headlines back home, but it’s water off a duck’s back.

“I give it out at times on social media, so I have to accept some in return. I really don’t care.

“I have received a lot of support from fellow boxers and they know the hours, dedication and hard yards it has taken to fight at three Olympic Games.

“Those closest to me know the deep disappointment I felt on Monday.”