Steve Bruce reveals he's received death threats on social media, as Newcastle boss calls for 'idiots to be locked away'

The Newcastle boss doesn't have any social media accounts himself but says he's received the shocking abuse which have been sent to his son, former footballer Alex Bruce.

Online abuse is a huge talking point with a number of players being targeted with disgusting racist remarks on social media in recent weeks.

Referees also find themselves on the end of virulent abuse too. Death threats were sent to Mike Dean's family following his decision to send off Tomas Soucek during West Ham's goalless draw at Fulham.

Dean requested to not to officiate a match this weekend after receiving the abuse, which has since been granted.

And when making reference to Dean's situation, Bruce called on the social media authorities to do more and the 'idiots' sending the abuse 'need to be locked away.'

He told talkSPORT: "I've had death threats sent to my son. I don't do social media but I understand what a powerful, powerful tool it is.

"I think these big companies have to act and police them a lot better than what they do because some of the stuff I've had has been absolutely vile.

"I don't read it but I'm aware of it. People close to me, who are younger than me and in that generation, say it's been absolutely vile.

"We have to police it better, we have to stamp down on it, we have to act, we've been saying this for far too long, it's far too easy.

"When I see an experienced referee like Mike Dean, and of course he's a referee, he's going to make a mistake, we all make mistakes but to be abused for it? And his family? Come on let's get a grip on this thing and let these big companies make sure they police them better and lock these idiots away who cause this carnage."

Bruce was speaking ahead of Newcastle's Premier League clash against Chelsea on Monday night and revealed he'll be without Callum Wilson for the Stamford Bridge clash.

Wilson is out for the next six to eight weeks after sustaining a hamstring tear during the Magpies' win over Southampton last weekend.

Steve Bruce says he's received death threats on social media.