JOHN ASKEY has revealed he asked club captain Sean Newton to stay away from York City's game on Saturday in response to reports of abuse he has received on social media.

The centre-half was a notable absence from the team sheet for the Minstermen's 1-1 National League North draw at home to table-toppers Gateshead.

And interim boss Askey is hoping some time away from football will be of benefit to Newton.

"The abuse he's getting isn't right and it makes it really hard for Sean," he explained.

"It's sad when you can't pick one of your best players.

"It's not just at the ground, it's on social media. It needs to be looked at because it doesn't help me as a manager and it doesn't help the football club.

"It's probably only a mindless few and they don't realise the impact it has on a person.

"I know from being a manager and some of the abuse you can get is difficult to ignore and it does get you.

"Hopefully he can forget about football for a few days and we can get him back in.

"I would just ask people on social media to think about the person."