Leeds Rhinos has issued a statement to quash sick social media rumours that Rob Burrow died earlier this morning. A post on Facebook by a page with the name 'Leeds Rhinos' wrongly posted that Rob had died at 8am this morning.
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. Rob is fine and looking forward to enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend with his family."
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On Facebook, Leeds Rhinos also confirmed they have "reported the offesnive to Meta and hope it will be taken down as social 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.
@PeterLister13 wrote: "why do some people do things like that, seriously sick individuals out there!!!!" @MatthewBeswick1 posted: "That sick f*** needs hunting down and teaching a lesson. Horrible person.
@joshjacksonlrfc tweeted: "Absolutely disgusting that people in this world do it. How sad must you be to create a fake account just to spread fake news! Sad life," with @GazSpedding posting: "What B****** would do that very, very sick interval I hope the police get involved."
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.
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