People from around the world have rallied together on Twitter to defend a young rugby player who was called too “big” to play.
Global (24 January 2022) – From England to New Zealand, South Africa and America… celebrities, sports stars, and kind individuals have taken to Twitter to rally behind a young rugby player who was bullied on social media.
Mark Pugsley didn’t expect the world to react the way it did when he posted a picture of his son to social media, especially not the mean comments, but thankfully good always outweighs the bad, and his Twitter post ignited the kindness and love needed to restore his faith in humanity.
Pugsley – the owner of a website dedicated to “pug” products – posted a tweet explaining what had happened on Facebook after he shared a photo of his son.
Had to remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented saying my boy is to "big" to play under 12s and isn't healthy. If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been. Don't worry Alfie I'll always be your biggest fan. pic.twitter.com/cDkA9BQOG8
— Mark Pugsley (@Puggster) January 23, 2022
“Had to remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented saying my boy is too “big” to play under 12s and isn’t healthy. If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been. Don’t worry Alfie I’ll always be your biggest fan.”
Luckily Twitter exploded with love from all sides of the globe.
Big fella you have my support. I walked this road too once upon”a time when people silently bullied me about my size and questioned whether I was the correct age for my age group. Keep your head high and never let the haters get to you. The game of rugby is for all.” – Tendai Mtawarira (Beast), former South African rugby player.
“Alfie mate, you keep enjoying the rugby. Always try your best, but always enjoy it. You’re doing well keep going. I’ll come along to ref one of your games one day and will look forward to it. Keep smiling my friend.” – Nigel Owens, Welsh former international rugby union referee.
“Alfie, keen working kid! As long as you’re enjoying it, that’s all that matters!!” – Liam Williams, a Welsh rugby union player currently playing for Pro14 side Scarlets.
“Hey Alfie, you keep having loads of fun & working hard mate, our beautiful game is for ALL genders, people from ALL walks of life & also ALL shapes & sizes, keep that smile on your face brother & keep up the awesome work.” – Jerome Kaino, New Zealand rugby union player.
“I’ve been that boy, Mark. He’s in the right game – that confidence will come flooding back sooner or later and he’ll be a better bloke for having played it. Social media is a cesspit at times – tell Alfie any trolling is merely a reflection of whoever sent it.” – Alex Miller, one half of the Sheffield Wednesday writing team at the Sheffield Star.
“Social media channels are full of nuggets mate…. tell him to keep loving it.” – Robbie Fowler, English football manager and former player, who most recently managed East Bengal in the Indian Super League.
To read the full Twitter thread, click here.
by 