Fleetwood Town shot-stopper backing social media boycott

There will be a blackout across all social media platforms from 3pm today until 11.59pm on Monday.

All football authorities and clubs up and down the country are backing the action, as are media outlets including The Gazette.

Cairns confirmed that everyone at Fleetwood will also be making a stand against online abuse.

“We’re a community up and down the leagues,” he said.

“Overall, in the world, there’s a time where we need to stand together.

“Everyone in this dressing room is fully on board with it and it’s something that needs to be done, so we’re going to do it.

“Hopefully it has the effect that we all want it to have.

“That’s the sad thing, that’s the world that we live in. People take great pleasure in abusing people – not just players, they’re people at the end of the day – that’s the scary thing.

“Just because we’re a footballer or whatever, you feel you can make derogatory comments to people.

“It’s not right, it’s not fair. Let’s make a stand and hopefully push it out and get it out as much as we can.”

Tomorrow’s game against MK Dons will be the last at Highbury this season.

The hope is it will be the final game played behind closed doors with Town’s keeper admitting the players’ end-of-season rituals won’t feel the same without being able to show their appreciation to the supporters.

Cairns said: “This season has been crazy.

“I’ve spoken to a number of goalkeepers throughout the season, it’s just not the same without fans.

“All the abuse from the away fans, you miss more than anything because that’s part and parcel of it.

“It’s not going to feel the same finishing at Highbury without fans, not being able to go around the pitch and thank them all for their support.

“We can do that through the media platforms and on social media, people we speak to through those.

“We can’t do that this weekend, but in the future, we can thank them for their support throughout this season and for what they’ve done.

“We know they spend their time and money watching us and we do appreciate them.

“We can’t wait to welcome them back for next season.”

Cairns is expecting a busy afternoon at Highbury against an MK Dons side which likes to attack.

From the Fleetwood perspective, they will be looking to bounce back from the 5-2 loss at Burton Albion in midweek.

Cairns said: “I’ve watched a lot of MK Dons and they seem to want to do the right things, play the right way and get lots of shots on goal.

“Defensively, that gives us something to switch on for. Especially after Tuesday, we want to keep the clean sheet.

“We know they’re a good side, as is everyone in this league. I can’t say that there is a bad side in this league as you see with the crazy results that happen all the time.

“It’s a game I’m looking forward to, there are still three points to play for and all sorts for us to play for.

“They beat us before in the season (3-1 in January) so let’s put that right.”

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