Southampton FC legend Matt Le Tissier has “stepped aside” from his role as an ambassador at the club after suggesting the media has lied in its reporting of civilian deaths in Ukraine.

The former Saints midfielder, who played for England eight times, retweeted a post containing a conspiracy theory which suggested Russia may not be responsible for the atrocities in the town of Bucha near Kyiv.

The 53-year-old wrote the word “this” with a hand emoji pointing down at the post which read: “The media lied about weapons of mass destruction. The media lied about Covid. The media lied about the Hunter Biden laptop. But honestly they are telling the truth about Bucha!”

The killings in the Ukrainian town, which was occupied by Russian forces for weeks before they withdrew, have prompted Boris Johnson to accuse Moscow’s forces of committing war crimes.

Major new offensive ‘likely’ in days – follow live updates

Le Tissier deleted his post following a backlash over the claims he shared and sought to clarify his position by saying “the point was about media manipulation”.

The retired footballer posted another update on Wednesday morning to make it “very clear” he does “not advocate war in any way shape or form”, adding he did not “advocate anyone taking lives of others and anyone who commits such acts should be dealt with accordingly”.

Guernsey-born Le Tissier, who played 540 times for Southampton and scored 209 goals, then announced he has decided to “step aside” from his position at the club.

“To all the fans of SFC. I have decided to step aside from my role as an ambassador of SFC. My views are my own and always have been, and it’s important to take this step today to avoid any confusion,” he wrote.

Read more:
What happened in Bucha and did Russian soldiers commit war crimes?

“This does not affect my relationship with and love for my club, and I will always remain a fan and supporter of everything Saints.

“I can, however, see that due to recent events it’s important to separate the work I believe in from my relationship with the club I have supported and played for most of my life.

“I will see you all at St Mary’s and will always do anything I can to help the club.”

It is not the first time Le Tissier has attracted controversy for his social media posts in recent years, having expressed scepticism about COVID vaccines and government restrictions during the pandemic.

Related posts:

Christian Eriksen visits team after being discharged from hospital In Brazil, the fact 500,000 have died and the country isn’t in lockdown is too much for some to take ‘Ghost town’ Phuket steps up vaccinations to reopen to tourists Body of armed Belgian anti-vaccine fugitive Jurgen Conings found Unvaccinated football fans to be banned from Qatar’s World Cup stadiums 35 people killed after houses collapse in India landslides due to monsoon rains More than 400 migrants board deportation flight to Iraq as Belarus border tensions rise Tonga’s internet connection is restored more than five weeks after volcanic eruption and tsunami The high-profile Russians who have fled Putin’s regime, quit their jobs and refuse to support Ukraine war No way out for 150,000 people trapped in Ukrainian city of ‘hell’ – as Russian forces bomb last bridge standing Pregnant women moved from Mariupol hospital were sheltering in bombed theatre Putin’s top military ministers seen speaking in a video for first time in weeks