Steve Harper deletes Twitter account after being abused for joining Sunderland

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has deleted his Twitter profile after suffering online abuse for joining Sunderland.

The veteran shot-stopper signed a deal with Newcastle's bitter rivals on Friday, agreeing to move to the Stadium of Light for the remainder of the season.

Once the Black Cats announced the deal, Harper, who spent 20 years at Newcastle, was the subject of an array of abusive messages on social media.

According to The Telegraph, Harper has closed down his Twitter account as a result.

The 40-year-old will be third-choice keeper behind Vito Mannone and Jordan Pickford.