Wayne Bridge's fans have defended him after the former footballer pulled the plug on his fight with KSI.
The husband of The Saturdays star, Frankie, 44, was due to face the YouTuber, 31, in a Misfits boxing bout in March, but after the social media star's comments about Wayne's ex-girlfriend, the Premiership star has announced he won't be stepping into the ring.
KSI taunted the dad-of-three about his former partner, Vanessa Perroncel, having an alleged affair with Chelsea star, John Terry - something Ms. Perroncell has always denied. Following the fracas, Wayne said he 'must put his family first' - and his fans agree.
Slating KSI for his "cringey" comments, many took to social media, offering their support to the former footballer. One said: "Not into this misfits stuff, but hats off to Wayne Bridge. Some things just don't need saying! It was cringey AF and KSI is a massive t**'t." Another posted: "What KSI said to Wayne Bridge was so bad, Bridge was so humble and didn't deserve that kind of treatment."
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PA)Meanwhile, a third shared: "Wayne Bridge showed tremendous dignity, he is somebody kids can look up to. KSI lost an opportunity to be a role model for kids. It takes years to build real respect and he's just lost any he had. Real sledging takes intellect, perhaps the main point here."
During a face-off in the ring with Wayne on the weekend, KSI seemed to show little intellect, sniping: "Aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?' Bridge replied: "You want to go there straight away do you?
"I'm pretty sure that's what you're known for,' KSI added, before riling up the crowd and chanting: "Vanessa woah, Vanessa woah", referencing the former footballer's ex-girlfriend, who shares a son with Wayne.
Deciding enough was enough, Wayne took to Instagram on Monday, announcing that the fight was cancelled, posting: "I'm sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event.
"Firstly, I think it's important that I explain my reason for accepting the fight. I always like to challenge myself. This felt like a good opportunity to go up against an interesting opponent on a big stage.
"I have always loved boxing as part of my everyday training routine. I was fully prepared to train hard and have some fun. Of course, I expected to face some criticism, but I feel like what was said on Saturday crossed a line. These are deeply personal comments that affect mine and other families involved in the situation. I'm a family man first and my priority is protecting them."
Hours after his post, Wayne's wife, Frankie, took to Instagram with a teary selfie, telling fans she was reminding herself of 'everything she was working'. Sharing a sombre-looking snap of herself on 'Blue Monday', the mum-of-two then hit the gym after which she said she "felt better"'.
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