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Former Birmingham City star Robbie Savage has been subjected to messages of hate on Twitter by Aston Villa fans with one fan saying he hoped the star's dad died a 'painful death'.

The footballer turned radio presenter angered Villa fans at the start of the season by claiming the club would be relegated , he repeated the claim again during the season although he did claim they may survive after all .

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert reacted to his comments stating Savage should watch his side play before commenting.

After Arsenal's 4-1 defeat of Wigan left Villa safe from the drop Savage tweeted the following message:

This was met with a barrage of abuse from Villa fans with one fan blasting:

Another tweeter caused outrage on the social media site with this sick retort:

Despite responding to the abuse directly Savage was clearly shocked by the nature of the comments:

He wasn't the only one, angry Twitter users hit out at the comment about the Welshman's father Colin, who died at the age of 64 from a rare brain condition.

The Daily Mirror columnist and Strictly Come Dancing star was by the bedside as his dad passed away in hospital.

In an emotional tribute, Robbie said Colin was “my hero and my best friend” and added on Twitter: “You only have one dad and mine has been the best ever.”

He urged his followers to appreciate their parents, and added: “If you’re with your dad now give him a kiss and tell him you love him, cos they won’t be here forever.”

Colin died from pneumonia complicated by Pick’s Disease, which causes Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.

Robbie, 37, had a long career as a Premier League footballer with Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Derby before his retirement and move into punditry.