MANY Herefordshire sports clubs will fall silent this weekend in a social media boycott.

A weekend full of sports fixtures across the county and country is due to take place, but most clubs will not be updating fans as usual.

The boycott is in response to the ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received online by players and many others connected to football.

The boycott will take place from 3pm on Friday (April 30) until 11.59pm on Monday (May 3)

This has been scheduled to take place across a full fixture programme in the men’s and women’s professional game and will see clubs across the Premier League, EFL, WSL and Women’s Championship switch off their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Local clubs across Herefordshire are also showing their support of the initiative by joining the boycott.

Hereford FC, Hereford Pegasus, Westfields and Hereford Lads Club are amongst those that have pledged to join the boycott.

Others sports clubs are also taking part including Herefordshire Cricket.

Hereford Times sports editor Ben Goddard will also be taking part in the social media boycott along with local photographers Matt Cale and Helen Warwick.

"We are proud to have such an incredible fan base that supports Hereford FC," said a statement on the Hereford FC website.

"Emotion and passion for your club does not justify online abuse in any format to players, staff, supporters, or anyone."