How Twitter Reacted to Laura Bassett's England Own Goal

England are no strangers to exiting a major international tournament in cruel fashion, but the Three Lionesses' departure from the FIFA Women's World Cup on Wednesday evening might be the cruellest of them all.

With England and Japan tied 1-1 in stoppage time, England defender Laura Bassett scored an extremely unfortunate own goal that ultimately denied her team a place in the biggest game in women's football. 

The pictures of a devastated Bassett being consoled by her team-mates were nothing short of heartbreaking:

"

These pics of Laura Bassett being comforted after scoring on her own goal are heartbreaking: http://t.co/9G5kSRxzud pic.twitter.com/8OTm3q1wcM

— E! Online (@eonline) July 2, 2015"

English tradition dictates that when a single player is deemed responsible for the team's failure at a major tournament, a disappointed general public vilifies and attacks that player. The reaction toward Bassett, however, has been quite the opposite. A wave of sympathy drowned the trolls in the aftermath of the game, as #ProudOfBassett trended:

"

my heart goes out to @laurabassett6 can't imagine what she's feeling right now

— »»melissa«« (@melissaaleman_) July 2, 2015"

"

#proudofbassett and that's from Scotland! You should all be proud and look forward not back.

— Andy Harrold (@PTSD17) July 2, 2015"

There were plenty of encouraging messages from prominent figures in the men's and women's games. And there was even one from Gary Lightbody, the singer from Snow Patrol: 

A cursory glance at Bassett's mentions on Twitter showed there was nearly unanimous support for the 31-year-old:

"

@laurabassett6 Still love you 

— Robbie Armstrong ッ (@robbie7010) July 2, 2015"

"

@laurabassett6 Head up, **it happens. :( Can't blame yourself, fantastic effort from all of you! (Previously only men's football fan)! U WIN

— Invalid Parking (@Invalid_Parking) July 2, 2015"

As the waves of encouragement continued to pour in, the Telegraph's Claire Cohen caused a stir by claiming that the sympathy was actually sexist:

Apparently, most folks did not agree with that assertion:

"

Is The Telegraph arguing that it's sexist to *not* murder Laura Bassett here? This is the hottest of takes. pic.twitter.com/PMbVsUWSOY

— Martin (@Heisenbergkamp) July 2, 2015"

While consolation and positivity were the dominant messages being conveyed, a vocal minority sunk to a new level by mocking the player and the women's game:

"

@WardleGrace Quality- Scoring an own goal to ruin the country's hopes is not quality. @laurabassett6 should be ashamed and should retire

— THE_RED_DEVIL* (@ManUtdFan2015) July 2, 2015"

"

Just saw the own goal England scored on themselves. Lol and that is why I don't watch women's soccer.

— Bryan Velasquez (@BKeepsItReal) July 2, 2015"

"

I tell you what Laura Bassett proper let her country down didn't she?

— Sharkles (@sharkey2007) July 2, 2015"

One Twitter user even managed to provoke the ire of the Daily Mail and English daytime TV with his anti-Bassett agenda:

Ultimately, the expectation of heartbreak while on the cusp of glory is burned into the English psyche. But in the fallout from the nation's latest sporting disappointment, it is clear that love has presided over hate. After all, there will always be a chance to make amends in another four years—just ask Ed Miliband...  

[Twitter]