Paul Merson hits back at fan who called him 'gambling wife-beating alcoholic coke head' after he mocked Tottenham for defeat by Ipswich

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Paul Merson has hit back at a Tottenham fan who called him a 'gambling wife beating alcoholic coke head' on social media.

Merson was on punditry duty during Sky Sports' Super Sunday showings over the weekend, which featured Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle and Chelsea against Arsenal.

Also on the day, though not televised in England, Tottenham took on Ipswich in north London and fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of the newly-promoted side.

Merson, who is a renowned Chelsea fan and used to play for Arsenal a two of Spurs' rivals - took to social media to brand the result 'Spursy', a word often used to mock the club.

One fan didn't see the funny side of things, mocking the 56-year-old, though Merson hit back himself.

Paul Merson has hit back at a fan who called him a 'gambling wife-beating alcoholic coke head'

The Tottenham fan took to social media to mock Merson for his past following Spurs' defeat by Ipswich

Merson had posted on X following the result, mocking Tottenham for their latest loss

He replied to the fans with a gif of Luke Littler, suggesting his was looking to wind fans up

The fan took to social media to bash Merson, posting: 'Spursy maybe but let's not forget you are a gambling wife beating alcoholic coke head. Rather be spursy than you.'

Merson then responded with a gif of Luke Littler celebrating a big fish in darts with a fishing motion - suggesting he had got the response he wanted.

Merson, who was also on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, often takes to social media to share his football opinions as he does on Sky.

He sometimes comes under criticism for his past, but doesn't hide away and often bites back at fans.

On Sunday, he responded to one troll with: 'When your team lose so you go onto social media to abuse people. classic!'

Another replied: 'Jog on addict', to which Merson responded: 'Already had that one mate,' accompanied by a thumbs up emoji.

Merson has had a number of issues with gambling and alcohol throughout his life, including being involved in a car crash with a lorry on the M40 and being arrested for drink-driving in 2011.

He has opened up on his struggles with gambling and his drink and drug habits on more than once occasion, and admits he still struggles to this day.

Merson had opened up on his struggles with alcohol, gambling and drugs in the past

He was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing this year but is now back doing football punditry

In 1994, he admitted to having addictions to alcohol, cocaine and gambling and the FA arranged a three-month rehabilitation programme.

In 2004, meanwhile, he admitted himself to the Sierra Tucson Clinic in Arizona for help with his gambling issue under advice and financial backing from the PFA.

In 2007, it was reported that Merson was arrested and cautioned for an assault on his wife.

He is now a regular on Sky Sports, appearing on their weekly 'Soccer Saturday' show and often as a pundit during broadcasts of live matches.