Albion defender Shane Duffy has labelled Wigan supporters “the worst fans in England” and likened the atmosphere at the DW Stadium to a “library”.

The Republic of Ireland international made the claim in a Twitter exchange with a Wigan supporter following Albion’s 1-0 win in Lancashire.

The fan called Duffy an “awful footballer” and referenced him in a Tweet about the ‘worst defender seen at the DW’.

Duffy responded to the fan on his official account. He branded Wigan supporters “the worst fans in England”, adding “played at a library Saturday”.

Albion’s record buy clashed with Wigan fans when he was at Blackburn Rovers.

They goaded him on social media following an own goal in Rovers’ 3-0 defeat at the DW Stadium earlier in the season.

They were upset by previous comments attributed to Duffy about Wigan’s small fanbase.

The Latics’ average attendance of under 11,000 this season is the fourth lowest in the Championship and less than 50 per cent of stadium capacity.

Duffy recovered from an early injury scare to continue his towering form at Wigan, helping Albion to a sixth win of an unbeaten eight-match run and sixth clean sheet.

He combined with Connor Goldson to keep Wigan at bay and is now set to resume a formidable partnership with Lewis Dunk – available again after suspension – against Norwich at the Amex on Saturday