Man Utd stars Rashford and Lingard leap to defence of autistic boy who was allegedly bullied and racially abused
MANCHESTER UNITED duo Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have leapt to the defence of an autistic boy who was the victim of alleged bullying on a video circulated on Twitter.
The clip, which has now been taken down, appears to show one boy slapping the victim and then making him kiss his female friend’s shoes.
Others can be heard laughing in the background.
The black boy is also allegedly racially abused by the two white aggressors before another boy steps in claiming to be his brother.
The incident took place on playing fields in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Rashford, who appears to know the victim, tweeted out: “This is a lovely young boy with autism.
“The other 2 in the video, I have no words to describe. The video speaks for itself.
“I got you my guy, always. I appreciate the love and support you send me constantly.
“Keep that head of yours high. Love, your friend, MR.”
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Lingard then made contact with someone on Instagram who had shared the details.
He told the boy to “keep going” before adding that he “wanted to do something special” for him.
West Yorkshire Police released a statement saying they had made two arrests in connection to the incident.
TWO TEENS ARRESTED
Cops added: “A male aged 17 has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and a female aged 16 has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
“They are both currently in police custody.
“We are supporting the victim and his family and working closely with local partner agencies as we conduct a full investigation into what has taken place.”
The shocking incident happened at a time when protests supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign continue around the world.
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It comes after George Floyd, 46, died after being restrained by four police officer in Minneapolis.
Three other former police officers present during the arrest have also been charged with aiding and abetting.