Harry Maguire’s Mother Condemns “Disgraceful” Abuse

The mother of England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has condemned the “disgraceful” and “unacceptable” abuse he has faced from fans and the media.

Zoe Maguire said she was “not OK” watching her son being booed and jeered by Scotland fans during England’s 3-0 win in a friendly on Tuesday.

Maguire has been a target for criticism since his form for United dipped last season. He was stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford and has been booed by his own fans on several occasions.

His mother said the abuse had gone “far beyond football” and that she hoped no other player or parent would have to go through what her son has experienced.

“I understand that in the football world, there are ups and downs, positives and negatives, but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’,” she said in an Instagram post.

“I know that he has a massive heart and that he will continue to give everything for his club and country. But it’s so unfair that he has to put up with this on a daily basis.”

Maguire’s teammate Lewis Dunk said the abuse was “unfair” and that Maguire had handled it “brilliantly”.

“It’s very harsh. That’s the way unfortunately football and sometimes fans, media take a story and they run with it,” Dunk said.

“This one has built up massively and it is an ongoing thing… but I think he can hold his head high and take massive credit from the way he has handled it.”

England manager Gareth Southgate has also defended Maguire, saying he is “a top player” who is “still learning”.

“I think it’s ridiculous that he’s been booed,” Southgate said. “He’s a top player and he’s been a very good player for us.”

The abuse of Maguire is the latest in a series of incidents of fan misbehavior in English football. In recent months, there have been reports of racist abuse, homophobic abuse, and physical violence directed at players and officials.

The Football Association has condemned the abuse of Maguire and said it is “working hard to tackle all forms of discrimination”.

“We will continue to work with our partners to take action against those who engage in this behavior,” the FA said in a statement.