Paul Dummett has received death threats and menacing messages from Uruguay fans who blame the Newcastle United defender for the knee injury which has placed Luis Surez's World Cup hopes in jeopardy. Surez is still hoping to play some part in the tournament after undergoing minor knee surgery on Thursday but there remains a possibility that the Liverpool striker will be forced to sit out Brazil 2014.

It is thought that a heavy tackle from Dummett during Liverpool's final Premier League game of the season '" a home win against Newcastle '" caused the damage. The Wales left-back was sent off for the challenge, although that red card was rescinded on appeal.

One message read: "Hi Paul Dummett. I hope some day you come here [Uruguay] to have a nice time with friends. We have things for you, like a bullet in the head.'

Another tweeted: "Hey, Paul Dummett. If Surez doesn't play against England, you'll never play again.'

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