Colombia investigates death threats against James Rodriguez

Threats was received by midfielder's mother on social media

BOGOTA: Colombian Prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged online death threats against Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, an official said on Tuesday.

Luis Alberto Perez, who is a part of the investigating unit, told reporters that the Attorney General’s office is probing into threats received by James. "The Attorney General's office is launching a probe to determine responsibilities in a crime involving threat.”

In Colombia, the punishment for a crime which involves a life threat carries up to eight years in prison.

Perez said the threats were made on social media, as well as to one of the footballer's relatives.

They were signed by the group "Hulk Legion," he said. "It originated from inside Mexico, and has been intimidating people on Twitter and other media."

In the alleged threat which was received by James mother on social media, the Los Blancos attacking midfielder was asked to start saying goodbye to his family members.

James, who is also the captain of the Colombian national football team, was pulled out of the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Uruguay due to a calf injury, and is currently in Madrid.