VILE Twitter trolls sparked outrage by claiming Clarets star Ross Wallace had died in a car crash.

Rumours were started by an account purporting to be a Celtic supporters’ page which said: 'Ross wallace has been announced dead , rip to a former hoop GBNF, Great celtic player.'

Clarets officials contacted the Scotland international to make him aware of the rumours and confirm he was safe and well.

Several users believed the hoax and paid tribute to the 28-year-old before it became clear that the rumour was false.

Burnley FC spokesman Darren Bentley said the rumour was ‘nonsense’ and that the injured winger is due to co-commentate on today’s top-of-the-table clash with QPR at Turf Moor for the club’s website.

Bianca Parker, partner of former Clarets striker Charlie Austin, said: “Who would make up a rumour that a football player died in a car crash? Sick people about!! Especially when he has a family.”

She added: “What a vile thing to make up!”

Peter Pike, chairman of the Clarets Trust, said: “It’s appalling. I’m not on Twitter personally, and I think it’s fine if properly used, but when false information is put out there is can be harmful and distressing.

“I’m not sure why anyone would do that.”

A Facebook link posted by an account with the name the Super Gary Hooper - which has posted a host of anti-Celtic messages - has since been removed.

In response to the original tweet, Mr Bentley said: “Not sure where this originated from but it is utter nonsense and we would appreciate this rumour being quashed at all sources.”

Wallace started his career at Celtic before moving to Sunderland and Preston North End before arriving at Turf Moor in July 2010.

He has been on the sidelines since August with a knee injury and is currently recovering from an operation, with a return to action scheduled for December.

No complaint has been made by the club or the player to Twitter or Facebook about the incident.