Eddie Howe says Newcastle United will do all they can to “protect” Lewis Miley after the teenager received “totally unjustified” criticism on social media.
Miley chose to limit replies to a post he made on X to mark his 50th first-team game for Newcastle against Bournemouth on Sunday. It is understood this was a precaution as he is still young.
The 19-year-old came under fire from a minority of social media users, who questioned the midfielder’s first-team credentials during the goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium, and Howe said it was “totally unjustified”.
Howe knows such comments can affect players if they “absorb it”, but the Newcastle head coach stressed Miley was “strong mentally”.
“Lewie is an outstanding player and a player we need to support and protect,” he said. “Sometimes, when you look at him, you forget how young he is because of his stature and maturity both on and off the pitch.
“All players need support, help and guidance. Anything other, I’d encourage the players to switch off from and just try to listen to the people that really matter in their lives like their family, friends and, of course, us. We will do everything we can to support him and treat him as the talent that we know he is.”
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