'True Blue' Toffee James Ireland, known to friends and family as 'JJ', had seats allocated through his season ticket, but in a home section of the ground
Claims: The youngster was reportedly abused at the Etihad
A disabled, eight-year-old Evertonian was reportedly told he 'should have drowned at birth' by Manchester City fans during the two sides' Capital One Cup semi-final at the Etihad on Wednesday evening.
'True Blue' Toffee James Ireland, known to friends and family as 'JJ', had seats allocated through his season ticket, but in a home section of the ground.
The youngster was shown by stewards to the correct section, but suffered horrific verbal abuse on the way, report the Liverpool Echo.
JJ, who has has cerebral palsy, was told by Man City fans that he ‘should have been drowned at birth’ along with other abuse.
His dad said the stewards ‘did nothing’ - and at one point, a fan tried to climb over the barrier to get to the father and son and was merely placed back in his seat by stewards.
JJ was the only disabled child in the area and wearing all of his Everton gear, including an Everton blanket for his wheelchair, but now he never wants to go to another away match.
James said he struggled to keep his mouth shut while his vulnerable son was being abused, adding: “I knew I couldn’t defend himself or JJ against the fans.”
When they were asked to leave, to join the Everton side, they were led through the hostile crowd instead of out and away from the offensive slurs.
The only boy in the family, with three sisters, 'true Blue' JJ loves going to matches with his dad.
In pictures: Man City 3-1 Everton
His concerned and upset mother works as his carer and expressed her shock after the incident.
Helen Ireland, 32, said: “This was JJ’s first night away match, he was only allowed because it was the cup and he begged us.
“He was made up, so excited to see the ground.
“We bought the tickets through Everton, it was all above board, but Man City allocated the seats - they should have been safe, especially for a disabled child.
“Even if it was with the Man City fans, he should have been safe, nobody should have to hear those words - they got to him and sunk in.”
JJ was shaken up after the match, according to Helen,
She said: “The experience Everton fans had from Man City fans was disgusting – grown adults should know better.”
Manchester City have been approached for comment.
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