Kent Switch Off Social Media Comments Due to Duty of Care Concerns

Kent Cricket Club has disabled social media comment functions to protect players and staff from online abuse.

Kent Disable Social Media Comment Functions Kent Cricket Club has taken the unusual step of disabling comment functions on their social media accounts in order to protect the county's players. This move is part of a 'duty of care' initiative aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the players and staff. Kent were relegated from Division One of the County Championship in 2024 and finished bottom of Division Two in 2025. They are currently winless in three Championship matches at the beginning of this season and lie bottom of the second tier. ## Head Coach Adam Hollioake Explains Decision Kent head coach Adam Hollioake stated that the decision to disable social media comments was not taken lightly and that the club is not attempting to silence supporters. He emphasized that the majority of supporters are behind the team and offer constructive criticism, but that some comments can be damaging to the players and their loved ones. The club has more than 104,000 followers on their X account and over 64,000 on Instagram. Supporters can provide feedback via email and at members' forums, one of which will take place on the first day of the game against Derbyshire at Canterbury. ## Supporters Can Provide Feedback through Alternative Channels Kent Cricket Club has assured supporters that they can still provide feedback through alternative channels, such as email and members' forums. The club has disabled social media comment functions in order to maintain a safe and respectful environment for the players and staff. A statement from the club reads: 'This short-term move aligns with our short-term strategy to allow players and staff to work and play with freedom and clarity.' The club's core values include unity, respect, and responsibility, which are reflected in this decision. ## Kent's Poor Performance Continues into New Season Kent's struggles on the field have continued into the new season, with the team recording three consecutive Championship losses. In their three matches so far, Kent have been bowled out for less than 250 on four occasions. This has raised concerns about the team's batting, particularly the performance of opener Zak Crawley, who has struggled to make an impact this season. ## Hollioake's Concerns about Mental Health Head coach Adam Hollioake has expressed concerns about the mental health of players and staff following the loss of two close friends and teammates in recent years. He stated: 'I've seen in recent times two players and friends that I played alongside for England go down a bad path in terms of mental health and I've lost both of them.' Hollioake emphasized that it is his duty of care as a coach to ensure that the players and staff are supported and protected from online abuse.