Alex Scott targeted by racist trolls after A Question of Sport links

Alex Scott has been targeted by racist trolls after being linked to \'A Question of Sport\'.

The retired England footballer - who also appeared on \'Strictly Come Dancing\' last year - is said to be wanted to replace veteran presenter Sue Barker as the host of the BBC quiz show, but following the reports, vile bullies have sent abuse to the London-born star, who is of Irish and Jamaican descent.

Defuse boss Philip Grindell - whose organisation seeks to protect public figures from online abuse - is said to have contacted Alex to offer the firm\'s support.

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A source told The Sun newspaper: "What should be a really exciting time for Alex has been marred by these awful trolls.

"The abuse she\'s received across Twitter and other social media platforms has been disgusting. Thousands of people have been supportive but it\'s the negative ones Alex will remember. She\'s only human...

"Defuse contacted her team to offer their services; that\'s how bad things are. It\'s ridiculous that racism is still around in this day and age and that people can be so nasty."

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Despite the cruel trolls, many people have praised the Beeb\'s decision, and \'Match of the Day\' host Gary Lineker offered his support.

In a since-deleted tweet, he wrote: "[She is] smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role...

"Oh... and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem."

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The 35-year-old star is said to have impressed BBC bosses after two appearances on the long-running sports quiz series, and she is expected to discuss a deal before signing a contract in December ahead of a formal announcement in 2021.

An insider previously said: "Alex is being lined up as host, as a direct replacement for Sue. Like Sue, she\'s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt.

"She\'s a natural on camera and, crucially, lives and breathes all things sport. This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.

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"While a lot can happen over the next three months, as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job."