Man Utd loanee Williams ´followed and taunted´ after Norwich defeat

Norwich City full-back Brandon Williams has claimed he was followed and subjected to taunts and abuse by Canaries supporters in the aftermath of the defeat to West Ham.

A Said Benrahma double and strikes from Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini condemned the already relegated Norwich to a 4-0 hammering at Carrow Road on Sunday.

Manchester United loanee Williams started at left-back for Dean Smith’s side after Norwich fans gathered outside the stadium prior to kick-off to protest against owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.

Williams suggested he had been followed after the game, posting on Instagram: “For the people that followed me, he’s always awake”, and a stream of laughing face emojis.

The 21-year-old has since released a statement, claiming he was followed by some Norwich supporters, who only stopped once they realised he had noticed them.

“Yesterday after leaving the stadium I was taunted and abused by fans surrounding the stadium whilst I was in my car,” Williams posted on Twitter.

“After the abuse I was followed by individuals who only stopped following me once they became aware I had noticed them.

“However passionate fans are it is not right that a small minority abuse players or, in this case, follow them.

“Since arriving at Norwich I have played for the club as if I were a permanent member of the team. It is unfortunate that a small number of fans behave like this.”

pic.twitter.com/XnjUt6ZOWn

— Brandon Williams (@branwilliams) May 9, 2022

Williams posted a photo of a raised middle finger with the caption “What a beautiful day. Easy up Norwich City”, with a location marker for “Suffolk” after the loss. Both Instagram posts were subsequently deleted.

Reports suggested Norwich had opened an investigation into Williams’ social media activity, but the defender assured that is not the case.

“There is no club investigation into my conduct as incorrectly reported in the media,” he added.

“I would like to thank those fans who have sent me messages of support at this unsettling time.

“I would also like to thank Norwich City and their staff for the support they have given me in the past two days and for their concern.”