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Harry Maguire’s mum hits out at ‘disgraceful’ abuse he has faced
She said it went ‘far beyond football’
The mum of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has condemned the abuse he has faced calling it ‘disgraceful’ and ‘unacceptable’.
The England player has received much criticism from fans, pundits and the media, seeing him booed by his own fans and mocked during Tuesday’s England vs Scotland game.
Jeered at by Scotland fans, Maguire unfortunately went on to score an own goal in the 67th minute.
England manager Gareth Southgate said the player’s treatment by fans was ‘ridiculous’ and suggested it was a result of an unfair narrative around the player that’s been built over the last few years.
Maguire’s mum Zoe took to Instagram where she said in a post to her stories that she knew the game had its ‘ups and downs’ but that the abuse went ‘far beyond’ football.
She wrote: “As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.
“I was there in the stand as usual, It’s not acceptable what’s been created, over nothing.
“I understand that in the football world there are ups and downs, positives and negatives but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’.
“For me seeing him go through what he’s going through is not ok. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.
“Harry has a massive heart and it’s a good job he’s mentally strong and can handle it as others may not be able to.” She added that she wouldn’t wish this sort of abuse on anyone.
Speaking after the game on Tuesday, in which he came on as a substitute in the second half, Maguire said the actions of the fans was ‘a little bit of banter’ and that he could ‘deal with it’.
“It pretty much takes the pressure away from my teammates and puts it all on myself,” he said.
He is set to be in the United squad in their Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday, which kicks off at 3pm.