James McAtee was an unused substitute in Man City’s win over Club Brugge (Image: Getty)
James McAtee has been told he ruined a child’s birthday trip after ’s victory over Club Brugge. The midfielder was about to hand his match shirt to a young fan, only to realise they were wearing a Sheffield Wednesday-branded coat.
A video shared on social media showed McAtee leaving the Etihad Stadium in his vehicle. He stopped the car and wound down his window before producing his City shirt. The 22-year-old went to hand it to a child but withdrew his offer after noticing the Sheffield Wednesday badge.
McAtee is a former Sheffield United loanee.
Mum Chantelle Howard accused the City star of ruining her son Oaklan’s birthday night. She detailed the incident in a Facebook post.
“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,” Howard said.
“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 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.
Chantelle Howard accused James McAtee of ruining her son’s birthday (Image: Facebook / Chantelle Howard)
“I have three boys who support different teams, two Wednesday and one . But when all is said and done, the players playing at City are BIG stars and a lot play for country! So a 10-year-old lad would be buzzing about that whether he’s through and through or not!
“Also they weren’t begging for anything, they didn’t have a pen for anything to be signed or anything literally just wanted to see the big names and get a wave. It was McAtee that put down his window and chose my boys to give the shirt to!”
McAtee was an unused substitute for City’s 3-1 win over Brugge, which saw them qualify for the Champions League play-offs. He has scored five goals in 14 appearances this season.