Devastated mum slams Premier League star for ‘ruining 10-year-old’s birthday’ after brutally REFUSING to give him shirt

A DEVESTATED mum has slammed Manchester City star James McAtee for “ruining” her 10-year-old’s birthday.

Chantelle Howard took to social media to slam McAtee for brutally refusing to give away his match-worn shirt on Wednesday night.

Following Man City’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday, which secured them a place in the Champions League play-offs, young Oaklan was waiting outside the stadium to meet his heroes.

McAtee, 22, was one of the players who soon drove out of the gates at the Etihad, stopping to hand his shirt to someone who had been waiting out in the cold.

The midfielder pointed out of his window at Oaklan and seemed to tell a steward to hand him his shirt to thank him for waiting.

However, McAtee soon changed his mind after noticing that the 10-year-old was wearing a Sheffield Wednesday coat – rivals of his former club Sheffield United.

McAtee spent two seasons on loan with the Blades, making 75 appearances and scoring 14 goals for the Yorkshire club.

The England youth international can be heard saying: “Oh no, he’s got a Sheffield Wednesday top on. I hate Sheffield Wednesday”, before driving away without giving the youngster his shirt.

The unbelievable moment has been slammed by mum Chantelle, who wrote a fuming post on Facebook about the rivalry snub.

It read: “Imagine travelling all that way, braving the freezing cold after watching a Champions League game, just for your little football-mad 10-year-old to have his birthday night ruined.

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“James McAtee had the chance to make a birthday unforgettable – he handed out his shirt, and you should have seen the pure joy on the kids’ faces!

“But then, when it came to Oaklan, he changed his mind… all because of a Sheffield Wednesday badge on his coat.

“Never mind that he was head-to-toe in Man City gear, having spent all his birthday money in the club shop that night.

“Kids look up to their idols, whether they support a local team or one of the biggest in the world.

“Not everyone can get to the Etihad every week, but that doesn’t make them any less of a fan.

“Moments like these shape how young supporters see the game – and their heroes. It’s a shame when football forgets what really matters.”

McAtee has been linked with an exit from Man City this month after struggling for minutes under Pep Guardiola.

The City academy graduate hasn’t made a single start in the Premier League this season.

German champions Bayer Leverkusen are amongst the clubs who have been linked with a move for the highly-rated star, while a number of Prem sides have been suggested too.

McAtee has just 18 months remaining on his contract with City where he has been part of the setup since he was just 10 years old himself.

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