Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has hit out at the level of online abuse players receive.

Colwill — on loan at Brighton from Chelsea — says fans have no idea how impactful their comments can be.

"Unless you are a footballer, unless you do what we do every day, you shouldn't be giving stick," said the central defender, 19.

"People comment on your life, on and off the pitch, when they don't live it. People outside the bubble don't understand how much it can affect players.

"You can't bite back, you've got to let your football do the talking. They are not me, who are they to comment on how I'm playing or what I'm like?

"The only people who can tell me is my family and coaches. If you cannot influence my life, why would I listen?

"It's too easy to say, 'just blur it out' because you go on your phone, turn on the radio — you hear it all. But you have to try and not let them take your confidence.

"They do make it feel like it's you against the world."