Sick internet trolls targeted grieving former England player Rio Ferdinand hours after his wife died of cancer.

The 36-year-old footballer announced on Saturday (May 2) Rebecca Ellison had “slipped away” after a short battle with cancer at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital on Friday.

He described the 34-year-old, who leaves behind three children Lorenz, nine, Tate, six and Tia, four, as his “soulmate”.

But within hours, trolls began taunting the QPR defender with one claiming it was “karma” for his fallout with John Terry over the racism case involving his brother, Anton.

Another reportedly wrote: “Rio’s wife dying is better than winning the Premier League”.

According to The Sun, another supposed supporter of the Chelsea captain said: “This is what happens when you go against the mighty John Terry Ole Ole Ole.”

Several Twitter accounts have been suspended following the abuse and a Chelsea spokesman has codemned the behaviour.

Ferdinand, who moved to the Farnborough area after signing a deal with QPR last summer, announced the news of his wife’s passing on the club’s website.

He said: "My soul mate slipped away last night.

"Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children.

"She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.”

Terry, 34, offered his condolences to the family on behalf of Chelsea after his side were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.

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