The Austrian international was named as head coach Valerien Ismael’s choice as club captain at the end of last week, with the Hornets also confirming the player had signed a new five-year contract.

The social media post made by the club drew some stinging comments from fans who were not happy at both pieces of news, and that then degenerated into some more personal abuse across various social channels.

Blissett saw the comments and wanted to discuss the reaction of Watford fans to one of their own players.

“Well let me start by saying that abuse in any form is not acceptable,” said Blissett.

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“If something is said to hurt or offend the other person, that is abuse. It can be professionally linked or personal; playing ability or colour of skin. Using these as weapons to make a point of dissatisfaction makes you an abuser.

“It is not the same as that football favourite ‘banter’, but it can be easily disguised as such, particularly in today’s social media society.

“People must remember that tone is not evident in a post online, so humour cannot be identified. Equally we do have role models and media platforms who think that overstepping with ‘banter’ or being outspoken to get attention is acceptable, so this will have an impact on fans of all ages on how they think they can speak and conduct themselves.

“Added to that the ‘no filter’ aspect of social media and the surge in podcasters and influencers and users of platforms who are not media trained and go for the clicks means it all adds up to a potential flashpoint socially.”

The Hornets’ greatest all-time player was saddened, but not shocked, by the way ‘keyboard warriors’ have reacted to the Bachmann news.

“Am I shocked by the abuse extended towards Daniel Bachmann? Not particularly as that is how many, but few overall, believe they can speak to others when a keyboard is in front of them,” he said.

“My response: say that to his face!

“I recall a game when we were getting off the team bus and some bright spark in the crowd shouted out ‘Look they have a ‘N’ with them!’ My reply was simple: “Yes. And you have paid good money to watch this ‘N’ play football”. I walked off to a silent audience.”

As player who began his career in the 1970s, Blissett was one of the first players to experience racial abuse – not just on matchdays, but also in the street.

“I was brought up at a time in London when racial abuse was commonplace, but not by everyone and not everywhere,” he recalled.

“Myself, and many of my peers, had little or no experience, simply I believe because we could educate against fear and ignorance by the way we conducted ourselves.

“My Mum was very clear on how you behave in society! Putting colour aside for a moment, discrimination is something many of us experience. In the playground, when we are ostracised for some reason, at work when picked on. It is a horrible feeling, we would all agree.

“And yet bullies tend to be the minority that persuade the many, generally to avoid being bullied themselves. That is what social media can encourage, but unlike the old days, it is easy to be brave when you are hidden and tapping a few keys.”

Blissett urged his fellow Watford fans not to give oxygen to those who take their opinions across the line and into the realms of abuse.

“One thing I would say is that we, and I mean our Watford community, should not encourage or tolerate those abusers,” he said.

“Every one of us can take self-responsibility and we can also make sure we don’t encourage others.

“I don’t condone the idea that we tell tales anonymously, report people and then judge them on what may be one stupid act. If I could stand in front of thousands and turn abuse round in the right way, rather than take it, then we all can.

“Before you chuckle and click a negative comment, remember that everyone is a human being, we make stupid mistakes, we are not perfect.

“Ask politely, make your point respectfully or you do not learn and remain forever an ignorant person. And that can lead to more serious levels of abuse. Let us not forget that suicide from bullying is sadly a major killer in society.”

As founder of the Former Players’ Club, Blissett has always drawn heavily on the ethos and values instilled into the club by the late Graham Taylor.

“It is not my way, or the Watford way on which our club was built, to elevate yourself at the expense of others,” he said.

“I recall a time when Graham Taylor held fans accountable for booing a sub and giving a player a hard time for an off game. It was 1978 and Graham was quick to remind supporters that as a club we are all in it together.

“Dennis Booth, the player in question, was given stick – but the next day he was out playing Father Christmas to 300 kids, pushed over a pile of pennies for charity in the week and was with the players making a hospital visit.

“He gave to the community and Graham felt fans should support him when he is struggling in one game.

“I think that sums it up today as well. Online or at a game: express your opinions, you are entitled as ticket payers, but make sure it does not become vitriolic abuse without remembering to balance what that player does off the pitch for the club and your community.”

Bachmann only missed one game last season, but that was as the result of a needless red card against Huddersfield.

“Yes, I would agree Daniel made an error of judgement in the heat of a moment on the pitch,” said Blissett.

“It happens, but it is for the head coach and club to assess that reaction and determine the reasons and whether any action should be taken. Given the way things had gone at the time perhaps a frustrated act was understandable, though not acceptable. Equally fans demand players show passion, let us not forget that.

“I think that Daniel has always shown he wants to step in when there is a situation on the pitch and believe his strong but fair personality, and that unfortunate experience, will enable him to lead others well and convey what is expected. I wish him every success and think he will do a great job.”

Blissett had one final message for fans: “Remember, opinion is fine, but it is not expert professional opinion. It is a fan’s emotional response. An important one that should be heard. But in the right way: without abuse.”