Harry Maguire’s mum says the “negative and abusive comments” her son has received have been “disgraceful.”
Scotland fans taunted Maguire during England’s 3-1 victory this week after he scored an own goal during the 150-year anniversary match.
The Manchester United centre-back has also faced ridicule from his own supporters while representing club and country.
“As a mum, seeing the level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country. I was there in the stand as usual, it’s not acceptable what’s been created, over nothing,” Zoe Maguire said in a post on Instagram.
“I understand that in the football world, there are ups and downs, positives and negatives, but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’.
“For me seeing him go through what he’s going through is not OK. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.
“Harry has a massive heart, and it’s a good job he’s mentally strong and can handle it as others may not be able to. I wish this sort of abuse on nobody.”
Against Scotland at Hampden Park, the 30-year-old came off the bench with England 2-0 up thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.
His own goal gave the hosts some momentum to try and get back into the match, before Harry Kane scored a late third to seal the victory for Gareth Southgate’s men.
Maguire spoke about the abuse he received in Glasgow, saying: “It is a little bit of banter, and it is a hostile environment, coming away to Scotland.
“When you hear the national anthem and the way they [Scotland fans] disrespect that, we knew it would be hostile, and in the second half, I got most of it. I am happy to go with that, don’t worry about that.
“It pretty much takes the pressure away from my team-mates and puts it all on myself. It makes them play better, for sure. I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally. I have been through a lot in the last couple of years, and I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years.”
