CELTIC striker Leigh Griffiths has paid tribute to RANGERS FANS for their backing since he revealed the “pathetic and vile” internet abuse he has been subjected to.

Griffiths issued a statement on Twitter on Sunday night after an online troll called @FaZeJmbno posted: “I hope your 4 kids die”. Police Scotland yesterday confirmed they are investigating the incident after receiving a complaint.

However, the 25-year-old last night confirmed he would be coming off the social media website altogether after receiving another threatening message which mentioned his children.

The Scotland internationalist, who has found himself in the news as much for his exploits off the field as much as his performances on it throughout his often controversial career, revealed the attacks had upset the mothers of Kacie, four, Rhys, four, Layla, four, and Jacob, two.

But the former Hibs player revealed that he had been touched by “heartwarming” backing from Celtic supporters as well as followers of rival clubs – including Aberdeen, Hearts and Rangers.

“It is not nice to see,” he said. “I have banter with opposition fans and I get criticism when I am due it and praise when I am due it. But that is towards me and me only. To bring my kids into it pathetic and vile. They don’t do anything to hurt anybody.

“I might be hated for 90 minutes when I am on the football pitch, but I am not arrogant. I do everything I can to help people. I have done charity work. Last season I offered to help the wee Hearts fan whose house got broken into. I offered to pay for some of his Christmas stuff.

“When you see this sort of stuff on Twitter it is not very nice. Regardless of whether they hate me for 90 minutes or not as a football player I am still a human being. My kids don’t do anything to hurt anybody.

“I think because these people are sitting behind a computer or a phone that gives them the right to abuse people. If we do it to somebody else we get scrutinised so why shouldn’t they? It is difficult at times.

“I have said before that Twitter is a good place to interact with fans. You get a bit of banter and it is enjoyable. But when that stuff comes across it is horrible and hurtful.

“It’s not just hurting me, it’s hurting the kids’ mums as well. They weren’t very happy with the stuff that was getting commented on and even my mum as well. People are writing on their statuses. I just want to forget about it and concentrate on my football and let the police deal with it now.

“I didn’t do it for publicity. I just want everybody to know it is hurtful and has to be dealt with. People can’t get away with saying stuff like that. It is not just for me, it is anybody. I wouldn’t wish it on any professional footballer or any individual. For somebody to say I hope you’re four kids die is disgusting.”

Griffiths added: “But the response I have had from not just Celtic fans, but fans from all over Scotland is heartwarming and I just want to say a special thanks to them because it is touching. Believe it or not, the most fans who have been commenting on it have been Rangers and Hearts fans.

“Obviously the Celtic fans who follow me on Twitter have been giving me their support. But Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen and Motherwell fans have all been supportive. I want to say thanks to them. It is nice to see.”