Sol Campbell, the former England defender, has become the subject of online ridicule after tweeting about receiving poor service at a London cafe on Wednesday.

The ex-Arsenal player posted: “Such terrible service from Liam at @CambridgeStCafe this morning! I will not be going back there again!”

Within minutes, social media users jumped to Liam’s defence, accusing Campbell of “being a grass” and trying to get an innocent man fired before Christmas.

Liam, who works at Cambridge Street Cafe in south-west London, tweeted a message to the footballer: “Liam here. Think we got off on the wrong foot. Would love to make amends. Hopefully see you soon.”

Here is a selection of other tweets making the rounds. The Guardian has contacted Liam for comment.

@SolManOfficial Liam here. Think we got off on the wrong foot. Would love to make amends. Hopefully see you soon — Cambridge St Cafe (@CambridgeStCafe) November 25, 2015

.@CambridgeStCafe @SolManOfficial Did he promise you he was ordering a latte, but then at last minute decide he would go for a cappuccino? — RicheyRevol (@RicheyRevol) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe Trying to lose someone their job exactly a month before Christmas? Why not just have a polite word? Grass. — McMeauxmns (@Danny_McMoomins) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe whats your problem with Liam,did he join Cambridge Street cafe from their arch rivals?No loyalty these days — Dean (@deanofsurrey) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe Tory Grass. Liam, you've always given me exemplary service and you're the main reason I keep going back. — Diamond Lights (@DiamondLights61) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe I've always found Liam unfailingly polite and generally excellent. — Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Sol Campbell is lying and trying to get some free stuff from you — Macca (@The_Paris_Angel) November 25, 2015

@SolManOfficial @CambridgeStCafe bet he's pleased about that !! Poor bloke is trying to earn a living and you name and shame him #poor — Darren Sheen (@chessspur) November 25, 2015