A sick Facebook post claimed Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow had died, with the club issuing a statement to confirm this is not true.
It said: "Breaking News. Rob Burrow sadly passed away this morning at 8am. You were an inspiration on and off the pitch. Rest in peace." Leeds Rhinos' official Twitter account has since posted to confirm Rob is still alive and is "enjoying the bank holiday weekend with his family".
Their tweet reads: "Please do not share any content on social media regarding Rob. The fake account that was set up today on Facebook to spread hateful news that is totally untrue and upsetting for the family."
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Rob, who has motor neurone disease (MND), recently completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds with the help of his best friend Kevin Sinfield, who carried him over the finish line.
On Facebook, Leeds Rhinos also confirmed they have "reported the offensive to Meta and hope it will be taken down as soon as possible. The initial fake post attracted over 2,000 likes and over 9,000 shares.
The post by Leeds Rhinos' official Twitter account has attracted dozens of comments, with many sickened by the lies being spread on social media. Social media users were quick to react with dozens of people posting their comments on Leeds Live.
King Dave said: "Give 'em to Kevin Sinfield for a couple of minutes," while Terrier said: "There are some very sick people on social media. This individual is an absolute disgrace and should be severely dealt with."
Bjorgvin added: "The reason I wouldn't touch Facebook and Twitter with a bargepole, the lurking place for the hard of thinking. I'm usually against police intervention in cases like this but the author should be prosecuted."
Mandy Heaton said: "There are some very sad people about, poor Rob and family. Enjoy your weekend Rob, Lindsey, and kids." And Helen Walker said: "Some sick people in this world, just read the fake news and my heart instantly sank until I read this. Keep fighting Rob, you're a true hero."
Susan Cartwright added: "How can anyone do a sick thing like this. Hope Rob and his family are OK."
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