Bafana Bafana vice-captain Percy Tau says he was disheartened to see negative comments after Burnley confirmed striker Lyle Foster is taking a break from football to deal with his mental health.

The 23-year-old joined the Clarets from Belgian club Westerlo in January of 2023 and has scored three goals and grabbed three assists in eight appearances across all competitions.

Foster, who is 23 years old, first told the club in July that he was depressed, and he has now asked them again for help.

Vice-Captain Percy Tau said it was disheartening to see some of the negativity commentary circulating after Burnley confirmed that Foster is taking a break.

Tau has sent a message of support to Foster after he received negative comments towards him from taking time away from football.

“It’s hard when you see the negativity doing the rounds,” Tau told Safa.

“We are human beings with feelings at the end of the day, and when you internalise and realise that it’s not really about you but more about people venting and taking their anger out in your name, it becomes hurtful.

“It is hard to be here, but at the end of the day this is our job, this is what we love to do and sadly it comes with the bad side.”

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