Steven Gerrard's three-year-old daughter targeted by vile web troll....

Steven Gerrard's three-year-old daughter was targeted by vile online abuse after the Liverpool FC captain and Formby resident posted a picture of her online.

Rochdale FC is carrying out an internal inquiry amid reports the sick taunt on an Instagram photo of the former England midfielder and his youngest daughter was posted by a youth player at the club.

The young player at the centre of the club’s inquiry has not been named.

If it is confirmed a Rochdale youth player was responsible his fledgling career could be in jeopardy after club bosses said they were dealing with the matter internally.

The ECHO understands no reports were made to Merseyside Police or Greater Manchester Police, which covers Rochdale, but the comment provoked an angry response from fans. One labelled the footballer a paedophile.

The taunt has since been removed.

An anonymous source at Rochdale said that whoever was responsible had “landed himself in hot water as the comments had brought the club into disrepute.

“A fair few people were appalled and reacted angrily by ringing the club.

“There were calls for him to be kicked out but that hasn’t happened yet.

“He may escape with a suspension and a fine but he’ll be a lucky boy if he does.”

Calls were made on Rochdale supporter forums for the guilty person to be sacked.

One said: “Expose him and then sack the vile scum.”

Another posted: “It’s a serious issue and the club should and are acting professionally.”

A spokeswoman for Rochdale FC said: “The matter has been dealt with internally. We will be making no further comment.”

The former England captain has three daughters with wife Alex, 32. The ECHO approached Liverpool FC and Gerrard’s agent for comment.

Story and Photo Source: Liverpool Echo and Southport Visitor