West Bromwich Albion boss Pepe Mel has leaped to the defence of Liam Ridgewell after the left-back was abused by a group of Baggies supporters on the club's Facebook page.

A minority of fans posted messages wishing permanent injury on the defender in response to an update announcing that he will be out for two games with ligament damage.

The club has since deleted the offensive comments but Mel has hit out at the posters, insisting that they are not real West Brom supporters.

"Ridgewell has been performing at a good level," The Mirror quotes Mel as saying.

Chris Brunt and Billy Jones have been tipped as potential replacements for the injured Ridgewell at left-back.