AP / Bleacher Report

Former WWE star Hulk Hogan has been trolled by Internet pranksters into retweeting pictures of Premier League footballers, including Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and Romelu Lukaku.

@HulkHogan this is me and my mate, we know you're not racist and support you Hulk! pic.twitter.com/cZAtc8Moq5 — Joe (@WHU_Boulcott) July 27, 2015

@HulkHogan this is me and my mate, we know you're not racist! Ignore the press and haters we love you brother!! pic.twitter.com/Lvk0Gqi3Cb — Ethan Morley (@ethanmorleyy) July 27, 2015

The tweets started as supposed fans of Hogan sent apparent messages of support to the former WWE star, who was dropped by the wrestling organisation last week after a leaked audio recording revealed him making racial slurs against African-Americans.

The prank Twitter posts started on Sunday but continued into Monday, as Hogan remained oblivious to the real identity of the individuals in the photos.

@HulkHogan i am Ivorian and i love you brother, you're not a racist, u are the best, don't let the media get to you! pic.twitter.com/Op04YxEXFd — Hulkfan17 (@WarDesperados) July 27, 2015

@HulkHogan me and my brother Andrey are life long hulkamaniacs can we get an RT BROTHER. pic.twitter.com/5XXNbucegM — Craig (@KoscielnyFC) July 27, 2015

Hi @HulkHogan me & my dad are fully behind you, keep your head up through these horrid times #TeamHogan pic.twitter.com/H8RqZ08jnp — Red Is In The Blood (@IDontLikeSpurs) July 27, 2015

Hogan even retweeted a photo of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand with Canadian rapper Drake, neither of whom were recognised by the 61-year-old.

@HulkHogan Everybody says stuff from time to time, don't forget, me and my dad will always have your back brother pic.twitter.com/rtogY2EbOI — Monkey D. Jiggy (@Jackel_Ramzilla) July 27, 2015

Clearly no fan of Premier League football, it's somewhat surprising that no one has come to Hogan's aid to let him know he's been messed about.

[h/t Independent]