THE mother of a young Saints fan who was ridiculed on social media for holding a banner in the away end of St James’ Park has hit back at online trolls.

William Nicholson, eight, and his sister Grace, 14, were taken to Saints’ Premier League fixture in Newcastle by their father David, 37, who is from Southampton.

However, it wasn’t just Southampton’s 3-1 defeat that attracted attention, as William was photographed holding a Saints banner saying “James Ward-Prowse, can I please have your shirt?” as he stood in the top tier of the stadium.

The photograph was posted on social media which then drew negative attention, with many Twitter users poking fun at William and his sign as he was in an unlikely spot to get his sign noticed by players.

One tweet said: "I hate these signs, they reek of entitlement and the parents who allow their kids to bring them are pathetic."

Another added: "Unless he can abseil down 100 feet at the final whistle he’s got no chance."

Others posted images of T-shirt cannons firing into crowds.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, mum Claire spoke out against the online abuse her son has received.

She said: “I think it’s just dreadful… it’s essentially bullying, adults bullying a child.

“To pick on an eight-year-old child with his family at a football game in what should be a safe environment amongst the same supporters is just wrong, because it was a Saints fan that took that picture that’s blown up on social media.

“Something needs to be done. The comments I’ve seen from people who have commented on that post just don’t bare thinking about.”

Claire, who has shielded William from the activity escalating on social media, added: “My son made his own banner to take to the game so he could greet the players coming off and getting on the bus.

"His sister did a similar thing for the semi-final, and she got Samuel Edozie’s shirt, so William was looking forward to the game in the hope he might get James Ward-Prowse’s shirt.

“He’s his idol – he just absolutely idolises him. He’s his main man, but most of the players didn’t even acknowledge him which is such a shame.

“It was really disheartening for him because he’s only young and it’s the perfect time in his life to fall in love with the game of football.

"If he knew what was being said on social media about him, it would be really challenging.

“I just don’t get the mentality of some people - it is totally unacceptable.

"What gives people the right to post a picture of my son on the internet and say nasty things about him

"We’ve tried to get as much taken down as possible but it’s nearly impossible.

The Northern Echo:

“It’s like we’ve got our head in the stocks and people are throwing tomatoes at us. I’ve seen a few people stick up for us online and for that I say, thank you, because without you and the support of our family and friends we would feel totally alone.”

Claire, who lives in Newcastle, added: “My daughter is slightly older than William and she’s been going to the football since she was four and she’s never experienced anything like this. After the game she saw what happened on social media and came running down the stairs in tears.

“My husband isn’t even sure if he wants to take them to the football anymore.

"Why would you want to put yourself through that? It’s put me off football to be honest and changed my whole attitude towards the game, I don’t want to stand for any of it.”