Fan arrested after making threat to Willian's life on social media

After Willian reported death threats against him and his entire family being made on social media, it has emerged that they were made by an alleged fan of Corinthians, the club he currently plays for.

After receiving the threats, the former Chelsea and Arsenal player asked the Sao Paulo authorities to investigate, as he had been sent messages threatening him with bullets and knives.

Furthermore, he claimed that his wife and two young daughters would also be targeted. The threats read "either play out of love or out of terror".

The Sun confirmed that the authorities wasted no time in reacting to the Brazilian star's plea.

The investigation was carried out by officers from the Strategic Special Operations division of Barra Funda.

Shortly after the complaint was made, an individual was arrested.

The police statement

In the report after the arrest of a 21-year-old man, the authorities preferred not to reveal his identity, Commissioner Cesar Saad, explained that it is fine for people to demand that they perform well in training and on the pitch, but to include threats is unacceptable.

"It is normal for them to demand good performance in a training centre or in a stadium. But the police cannot accept threats, saying that they are going to go to their daughters' school, quoting the address where they live? That is a crime," explained Saad.

Police are still investigating other fans who made threats to other first team players. Among the footballers who received threatening messages are Cassio, Gil and Duilio Monteiro Alves.