A non-league club in England have rallied around a fan who was bullied on camera for having his shirt signed by the club's players.
Bromsgrove Sporting FC fan Jason Randle was labelled "a fucking loser" by a local man glaringly deficient in the self-awareness department when he revealed that his shirt was signed by the entire Sporting squad.
Sporting manager Paul Smith posted the footage on Twitter, explaining that the look on Jason's face when he was verbally abused by the man in question 'broke him'. Sporting defender Aaron Roberts was quick to back up his gaffer, tweeting that the squad had seen the footage and were disgusted by the treatment of one of their most loyal fans.
@pdscontractflo2 @SportingFC Absolutely disgusting coward of a man and scum of earth all the boys as disappointed as you boss, keep your chin up jason!
— Aaron Roberts (@Marioazzotelli) April 30, 2017
It was later claimed that the bully is a player for Sporting's fellow Middle League Division One side Littleton FC, a suggestion which annoyed Sporting defender Roberts further.
@Leechy76 @pdscontractflo2 @SportingFC Some shit Littleton player bullying a supporter of ours making fun of him for having his shirt signed by the boys! Needs a slap
— Aaron Roberts (@Marioazzotelli) April 30, 2017
Birmingham-based sportswear and equipment retailer Moving Forward Sports then reached out to Sporting manager Smith to see if he knew Jason, and committed to sending him some 'goodies' which would allow him to keep his signed jersey in mint condition.
Smudger. Could you find out what size the fan is. We'd like to send some goodies for him. Then he can keep the shirt pristine forever.
— MovingForwardSports (@MFsportsUK) April 30, 2017
Sporting midfielder John Pykett touched base with Jason, tweeting:
Glad to have helped you out last night Jay and proud to have you as one of the supports of @SportingFC. We all know who the real loser is
@pdscontractflo2 @SportingFC Glad to have helped you out last night Jay and proud to have you as one of the supports of @SportingFC. We all know who the real loser is pic.twitter.com/0MJIXgyxvH
— John Pykett (@JohnPykett) April 30, 2017
Manager Paul Smith later announced Jason would attend Sporting's next game as his guest, and would be invited to join his beloved club's manager for a pint afterwards. Aaron Roberts committed to paying for any pints that might be consumed - by Jason, at least!
Smith went on to say the club would get around one of its biggest fans.
.@SportingFC Jay Randle the @SportingFC fan in vid can't get to the game Sat so I am going to get him. He will be my guest, and a ? after, I can't wait.
— Paul smith (@pdscontractflo2) April 30, 2017
@pdscontractflo2 @SportingFC Class boss!!! I'll be in the stands and I will buy all his beer!
— Aaron Roberts (@Marioazzotelli) April 30, 2017
@SimplyMilly84 @SportingFC Well said Milly mate, he comes to all our games and loves the players and club. To be spoke to like that is disgraceful.
— Paul smith (@pdscontractflo2) April 30, 2017
@SimplyMilly84 @SportingFC He won't be discouraged because I am making sure we get round him. He is the perfect example of a non league football fan. Top notch
— Paul smith (@pdscontractflo2) April 30, 2017
This season, Bromsgrove Sporting and their fans have enjoyed an 'Invincibles' league campaign, earning promotion without suffering a single defeat. The club had finished runners-up in their three previous seasons.
Sporting were originally set up by fans in 2009, firstly as a means to buy non-league Bromsgrove Rovers on behalf of supporters, but later as a 'breakaway team' when another bidder was preferred.
