Queens Park Rangers condemn 'disgusting abuse' aimed at former Linfield star
Queens Park Rangers have condemned “disgusting abuse” aimed at Northern Ireland star Paul Smyth and his family on social media.
Former Linfield attacker Smyth has made 109 appearances throughout a second stint at Championship club QPR and signed a new contract extension earlier this week.
Smyth played 57 minutes in Thursday’s 2-1 league defeat to Norwich City which marked his 18th league outing of the season with the 28-year-old scoring three goals.
The Belfast forward – and his family – was the subject of abuse on social media platform Instagram and QPR have insisted the individual will be banned for life from their Loftus Road stadium.
Smyth shared on his Instagram story on Friday morning a string of abusive messages he received via direct message from a faceless account.
"Queens Park Rangers Football Club completely condemns the disgusting abuse Paul Smyth and his family have been subjected to on Instagram,” the club posted in a statement. “We are working closely with The EFL and the social media platform as we look to identify the individual concerned.
“Should we be successful, the perpetrator will be banned from MATRADE Loftus Road for life.
“Sadly, violent verbal and social media abuse of players and staff has increased in football in recent years which does nothing other than negatively impact a club’s chances of success.
“Everyone is grateful for the support being shown to Paul and his family by genuine fans.”
Northern Ireland’s official account replied: “No one should have to deal with that disgusting abuse on social media or anywhere else. We’re all behind you, Paul.”
Smyth has made 22 appearances for Northern Ireland with the most recent coming in November’s 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg at Windsor Park.
He’s likely to be involved once again when Michael O’Neill’s side visit Italy for their play-off semi-final in March as Northern Ireland look to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.
“I just want to continue what I'm doing, performing and playing well,” said Smyth after signing his new QPR contract. “Each year I want to play as many games as possible, help the team as much as I can and contribute as much as I can.
“When I first came to QPR in 2017, I was young, very naïve and I didn't know what to expect.
“It was quite tough for me to get used to how England was and it was a learning curve for me. I went on loan a couple of times and it was tough, but that made me who I am today."