Former Charlton defender Tom Lockyer calls Twitter an “acid place” – as he explains decision to quit that social media platform

Former Charlton defender Tom Lockyer has explained his reasons for deleting his Twitter account – describing the social media platform as “an acid place”.

The centre-back, 26, activated a relegation release clause in his Addicks contract to join Luton Town at the end of last season.

“I’m off Twitter now because that for me is an acid place that I want no part of,” Lockyer told The Mental Well-Balling Podcast.

“Yeah, Twitter is great when things are going well and you can read all the lovely comments in your inbox, but when it’s going bad I’m probably low enough. I’m my own harshest critic. I don’t need Joe Bloggs and his mate down the pub telling me how bad I am.

“If I wasn’t working in football and someone came up to my desk and said some of the comments I’ve read over the years about myself – we’re fighting. I’m not going to stand for that. Why should I stand for it now? Just because I’m a footballer? It’s completely unacceptable. But some people don’t see the bigger picture – their emotions get the better of them.

"It wasn't nice, but I think it's one of the things you've got to do for the career we have"

Tom Lockyer found it challenging to adapt to life away from his friends and family after moving to #CAFC. He talks about it in this week's episode.https://t.co/prN1qT3lIv pic.twitter.com/NT6CPoobWl

— The Mental Well-Balling Podcast (@WellBallingPod) February 23, 2021

“When have you gone a whole day without having a bad day at the office? It doesn’t happen, does it? Then what you don’t want is anyone DMing you saying all these bad things you have done today. People don’t need that.

“I remember when I was on Twitter and I replied to a few comments from people abusing me. Nothing ridiculous, but kind of ‘if you’re going to give me some then I’m going to give you some back’.

“It’s me getting in trouble for replying to horrible comments that were fired towards me first.

“I can’t win here. If I reply and I get in trouble – you’ve won. If I don’t reply then I’m just getting hammered and having to read all these horrible comments without being able to say my piece.”

The full interview with Tom Lockyer can be heard below – in which he also reveals his difficulties settling in London after his move from Bristol Rovers to Charlton.