If you want an image for the future, imagine a high-profile person rushing out an apology following outrage caused by an ill-advised post on social media, forever.
The latest man to fall foul to the open spaces and narrow minds of the internet is West Ham's defender, Jose Fonte. Erstwhile of Southampton, he was quick to congratulate his former teammate Virgil Van Dijk on his massive transfer to Liverpool. How he did so, however, invited the scorn of Southampton fans sick of seeing their starlets pitch up at Liverpool.
Fonte left a comment beneath Van Dijk's Instagram post which read "Pleased for you!!! Good luck brother!!! Another one @IamRyanBertrand" - seemingly hinting that Ryan Bertrand would be next to follow the well-worn path from St Mary's to Anfield.
Bertrand was coveted by Brendan Rodgers when he was in charge, but there has been little speculation linking him with Anfield since Jurgen Klopp took the job.
This comment by Fonte, in spite of it only being seen by the most eagle-eyed Southampton fans, those who perused Van Dijk's Instagram in dejected reminiscence of their best player, led to a shed-load of abusive comments directed to Fonte.
He used his Instagram story to apologise:
No disrespect whatsoever towards Saints on comment made on VVD picture! Only saying that another player (6th) moves to Liverpool which was something myself and Bertrand would joke about!
Apologies to anyone who got upset.
Fonte had one of the more controversial exits from Southampton, handing in a January transfer request to force a move to West Ham.
