Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Neville Southall has slammed Twitter users who criticised his decision to allow an 'adult baby' expert to takeover his account.

The ex-Everton goalkeeper raised eyebrows after sharing a tweet from a woman who describes herself as offering "non-fetish therapeutic adult baby diaper lover care".

'Adult Baby/Diaper Lover' (AB/DL) expert Grace Rogers said she was taking over Big Nev's Twitter account on August 21 "to help give voice to littles and the AB/DL community."

AB/DL commonly refers to a sexual fetish that involves role-playing as a baby wearing nappies.

However, Ms Rogers clearly states on her Twitter account that the care she offers is NOT for fetish purposes, the Liverpool Echo reports .

(Image: Barcroft Media)

Southall has been handing over the reigns of his Twitter account, which has racked up 144,000 followers, to campaigners for various causes.

The decision to let an AB/DL expert take over his Twitter prompted some backlash online, with people slamming the practice as a "bad idea".

In a later tweet, which has since been deleted, Southall seemingly caved in to the haters and U-turned on his decision, writing: "The adult baby takeover is off. Goodbye."

But in another change of heart, Southall decided to hit back at the online naysayers in a defiant defence.

He tweeted: "Just to be clear I do what I like on my Twitter. My decision. My choice. I don’t need a break. When I do take overs it’s because I want to I am not campaigner. There are some I want to do if you don’t like them block me. You can mock but you cannot stop me."

(Image: Twitter/@NevilleSouthall)

His tweets prompted a mixed reaction from followers, with Simon Archer writing: "The problem with Twitter is that the angriest voices are loudest.

"The silent majority benefit from and support what you do on Twitter, you only need to check your follower count to see that. Ignore and block the bile."

Penny Jones agreed, saying: "I don't do football, I have no interest in it or in its players. I do have interest in you, as you are great, and you do amazing things both on and off twitter. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

However, the initial announcement of the AB/DL takeover did create a backlash, with Natalie writing: "Nev I'm not so sure this is a great idea. This is not the same as social justice causes."

Jonathan Fisher said: "Nev, please", while Holly Hox said: "This is not something you need to be giving a platform to Neville, please don't."