The mum of a five-year-old soccer fan who was verbally abused at a game has been overwhelmed by messages of support.
Little Zoe Murphy said she no longer felt welcome to cheer her beloved Dundalk FC after she was subject to a drink-fuelled rant by a fan during last weekend’s Drogheda versus Dundalk, Louth Derby.
Her parents explained: :"Dundalk Vs Drogheda Louth Derby, Zoe was super excited to go, but it was probably Zoe’s most heart-breaking game and it wasn’t because of the results.
"Zoe was delighted to get a spot by the railing to watch her boys play, Enjoying the singing and atmosphere, and also singing along. Until a drunk teenager boy bumped into Zoe’s mum while she was holding Zoe.
"Mammy asked the boy to be careful because obviously Zoe can’t stand unaided and needed support. This boy then started shouting that Zoe had no right to be there and get her out the f***.
"Then the biggest blow was when the word r****d was thrown at us.
"Zoe just got upset and asked to leave that she wasn’t welcome."
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However, the family has received incredible support from players and fans of both clubs.
Wigan Athletic and Republic of Ireland star James McClean has invited them to watch this weekend’s Ireland game against Belgium with his own family at the Aviva.
The young Dundalk native who has cerebral palsy and can’t stand unaided is well-known to the club.
Mum Lynda said: “The outpouring of support has been huge since the incident and we have accepted the apology of the boy in question who, in fairness, got in touch to say how sorry he was at his behaviour.
“The club rang us and she will be the team mascot to walk them on to the pitch at the next match.
“Zoe has seen the good side of people in the incredible messages of support since.”
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