Man City star 'ruins child's birthday' by refusing to sign shirt for one reason
Manchester City midfielder James McAtee was offered a shirt to sign for a young fan after the Champions League win over Club Brugge - but he appeared to take issue with the boy's coat
Manchester City's James McAtee has come under fire for refusing to sign a young fan's shirt after spotting a Sheffield Wednesday badge on his coat, leading to accusations of spoiling the child's birthday.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and helped them secure promotion in 2023, is back with his parent club this season. He netted his first Premier League goal as Pep Guardiola's men thrashed Ipswich 6-0.
Despite not featuring in City's victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday, which secured their place in the Champions League play-off round, McAtee was met by a group of fans as he left the Etihad Stadium by car.
Footage shows McAtee initially handing a City shirt to a steward to give to a young fan, but he quickly retracts it, seemingly saying "He's got a Sheffield Wednesday top on".
The boy's mother took to social media to express her disappointment: "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," she wrote.
"@jamesmcatee_ 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! ", reports the Mirror.
"But then, when it came to Oaklan, he changed his mind... all because of a @swfcofficial badge on his coat. Never mind that he was head-to-toe in @mancity 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's behaviour sparked debate among fans. Some argued he was right to refuse giving his shirt away due to his connections with Wednesday's rivals, with one fan commenting, "I think he's right to do that," and "Can't be asking for Man City shirts wearing a SW coat, especially when McAtee has links to Sheffield Utd."
Others, however, questioned his decision, with one stating, "Played for Sheffield Utd on loan, not from the area so no excuse for this imo," suggesting he should have given the shirt regardless of the circumstances.