CELTIC and Ireland winger Jonny Hayes came to the rescue of a young Rangers fan who was targeted by a gang of bullies.
The teams might be rivals on the pitch, but Hayes showed there are more important things than football when he came to the aid of 11-year-old Callum McIvor.
Four boys followed the youngster into a shop near Celtic’s Lennonxtown training ground before he was punched, kicked and thrown into shelves.
However Irish international Hayes intervened before making sure the youngster got home safe.
Watch: Young Rangers fan thanks @CelticFC star Johnny Hayes after he rescued him from a bully gang
Read more: https://t.co/PiP3jOd9DG pic.twitter.com/wcE9eMmaQ6
— STV News (@STVNews) 25 September 2018
Callum’s mum Jordan Forrest took to Facebook to share her son’s story and thank the footballer.
She explained that after she sent a thank-you card to Lennonxtown for Hayes, the player sent back his signed shirt and words of encouragement for the youngster.
A note with the shirt said: “Callum, don’t let the boys from school get you down, bullies aren’t worth your time. If you ever need anything I’m only five minutes up the road. Jonny.”
'Best week'
She added that despite being a Rangers fan, Callum was overwhelmed by Hayes’ support.
She wrote: “Thank you Jonny, you have made my son one very happy boy. He said this is the best week of his life.
“I haven’t seen him smile like that in a long time and thank you for what you done for him.”
Jordan’s post has since gone viral on Facebook, receiving almost 40,000 reactions and 10,000 shares.
