Supercars drivers and teams have taken to social media calling for “social media hate” to end.
The hashtag #nosocialhate, started by Walkinshaw Andretti United driver Chaz Mostert, has begun trending among the Supercars fraternity on Instagram.
Images of a pink square accompanied by the hashtag have begun appearing on social media, shared by the likes of Will Davison, Cameron Waters, Nick Percat, Shane van Gisbergen, and several more.
Mostert wrote, “Anyone else over social media hate? Post pink with the #noscoialhate” on his Instagram profile.
Van Gisbergen, who recently underwent surgery on his collarbone, also posted “no place for it round here” with the pink square.
Red Bull Ampol Racing, Boost Mobile Racing, and Walkinshaw Andretti United have all followed suit.
Mostert took to his personal website to express his disappointment in comments by fans.
“Most of us can handle the odd bad comment from time to time and the reason we read comments is to see all the positive amazing comments fans, friends or family post since it helps us thrive and gives us satisfaction of the amazing job we are lucky enough to have got into,” he wrote.
“What I personally can’t handle is when a friend/family member/work colleague/work place and even a rival gets absolutely grilled on social media without even knowing the person.
“I think it’s cowardly and pathetic in my eyes.
“Enough is enough and I’m not gonna shy away from the issue that’s put in place – it’s simple for people to say don’t read it just block them, but I’ve seen good people get affected to a dark place so it’s time to stand up support each other tell these people it’s not ok.
“The problem isn’t just in our sport it’s in all sports too, even the day to day life of the everyday person.
“It’s time to set a better example for the next generation’s kids, because the examples they are having set now is dangerous.
“Kids don’t just get bullied from 9-3 at school anymore, they are getting bullied on social media before and after school – how do this kids get away from that?
“Dolly was an example of what people can really do to others.
“Where do you think kids get the idea that it’s ok to say a nasty comment on line or post something about someone that’s not positive?
“Come on people.
“No matter how hard your life is, you don’t drag someone down to your level.
“It’s pretty simple – if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
“I have set up my social accounts so that you can’t comment negative things, swear, or if you attack others I do my best to get on there and ban you – Supercars and other online Media Outlets should be doing the same thing, as an online platform that’s part of your social responsibility.
“For anyone struggling please reach out to Lifeline.”
It’s not the first time Mostert has led a social media movement.
Mostert came out in support of Rick Kelly after social media backlash following a pit lane clash between the pair at the 2019 season-opening Adelaide 500.
It’s not the first time Mostert has led a social media movement.
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