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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Young footballer left ‘hyperventilating’ after abuse for having ginger hair as club take a stand

Bonnyrigg Rose have hit out at abuse endured by a young player for having ginger hair.

The dad of a 10-year-old boy who plays for the Lowland League outfit 2012's side was left disgusted as his son hyperventilated during the club's game on Sunday.

Jordi, took to social media to display his disbelief at the way his son has been treated by players and coaches.

And he has urged the SFA and football authorities to take action.

He said: "Week in, week out, my son is abused by players and often even parents and coaches for having ginger hair.

"Today was a bit too much for him and he started hyperventilating during the game. Enough is enough. He’s 10 years old!

"The fact that I need to prepare him for it every week is ridiculous. He’s a good player and he gets stuck in so that’s where it all comes from. He gives as good as he gets. Jealousy and poor parenting."

Bonnyrigg Rose community football club reacted with a tweet condemning the behaviour.

It read: "No place at our club for this...quite simple not acceptable.

"Quite simple. #LetThemPlay."

Hundreds of people have rallied on social media in support of the youngster, including BT Sport presenter Darrell Currie who wrote: "This is awful. Get a grip ffs people. Let the boy play the game he loves."

The theme of it not being acceptable in Scottish football was echoed as more and more people aired their view on the matter.

BBC Sportscene presenter Jonathan Sutherland also tweeted: "Absolutely disgusting this kind of bullying happens in football in our country. Completely unacceptable. Those responsible should be ashamed of themselves and held to account."

While the dad responded to the kind messages by saying: "Thanks for your comments.

"You see first hand how it can affect them. I’ll be giving [my son] my phone in a wee while to let him read all the messages. All the best!"

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