Kate Ferdinand mum-shamed after sharing rare snap of Rio Ferdinand and the kids

Kate Ferdinand was targeted by social media trolls after she shared a Christmas family photo this week.

"So grateful for such a special Christmas spent with our family," Kate wrote alongside the snap.

In the photo, a number of the children's faces could be seen covered with heart emojis, which is in keeping with the rest of Kate and Rio's social media photos.

But some followers posted cruel comments on the photo, calling it 'pointless'.

One person wrote: “What’s the intent in posting with so many covered?”

While another said: “Don’t understand a photo like this when so many faces are covered. Yes, keep the kids private but this photo is pointless.”

And a third added: “What even is the point of posting this picture??? It’s clearly a private photo with faces covered up. I don’t get why you would still continue the posts and photos when blanked out? Why not just keep them private?”

Meanwhile a fourth wrote: “Why post if you don’t want people's face to be seen!!!”

And a fifth said: “Keep this one private and take one with those on it who can be seen... simple!”

Others defended the family, with one follower responding: "Why can’t she still post a picture? Just because she keeps the children private doesn’t mean she can’t share."

And another added: "I love the fact you protect your child’s privacy. It’s fantastic."

And another wrote: "Why are people being so hateful towards the fact that they want to respect not only their children but others' privacy from online trolls like yourselves.

"This picture is far from pointless, it’s a family enjoying Christmas together and after the s***ty years we’ve all faced recently there’s nothing wrong with that. Just because some celebrities decide to share their kids' identities with their followers doesn’t mean everyone online has to do the same thing.

"If you’ve got nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all."