POLICE are investigating the sick comments aimed at Celtic superfan Jay Beatty by online trolls.
Celtic superfan, Jay Beatty, captured the hearts of the Parkhead faithful when Hoops hero Georgios Samaras picked him up and carried him round the pitch as the team celebrated their league title in 2014.
The 13-year-old has since become an ambassador for the Glasgow club and met a host of stars such as Paolo Nutini, Lionel Messi and Scotland boss, Gordon Strachan.
However, despite his popularity “Wee Jay”, who has Down’s syndrome, has become the victim of a barrage of online abuse.
Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating the comments.
The posts appeared on the forum following the Old Firm match on Hogmanay, which Rangers lost 2-1.
Down Syndrome Scotland, the only charity in Scotland solely dedicated to supporting people with the condition blasted the appalling comments.
Sarah Van Putten, Depute Chief Executive of the charity said: “As an organisation we are appalled that this form of abuse is still happening and that
people think it is acceptable to post such comments.
“Jay Beatty is a young boy who has done a lot for not only Celtic Football Club but also the local community in Glasgow and in his home town of Lurgan.
“His achievements should not be belittled by these out-dated and despicable comments.”
She continued: “For us it also raises wider issues of how some individuals in our society still view people with Down’s syndrome and reinforces the need for greater public awareness to dispel the myths surrounding Down’s syndrome.”
A Celtic fan Facebook page , ‘Let’s all do the huddle’, also blasted the comments on the Rangers fan’s forum.
A post on the page read: “What do the admin do on there that they think these comments should be allowed to stay.
“Not only should they be removed but the idiots responsible should be banned.
“One Aberdeen fan fell foul of the law for posting disgusting comments about Jay so I’d like to think that Police Scotland are also on the case here.
“What had this wee Bhoy done to any of them? Only hours after the game, he was posing with one Rangers fan and wearing his scarf.”
Over one hundred people commented on the post, with many appalled and disgusted at the comments.
Laura Alison Beedie said: “Absolutely disgusting comments, this poor wee man doesn’t need this, he’s absolutely gorgeous. The people making these nasty comments are just showing their mentality. Immature sad individuals.”
Lynne Clark said: “Absolute vile cretins, I have had the pleasure of meeting little Jay and what a bhoy he is! God bless the Beatty family.”
Paul Lucas wrote: “I just find it incredible that people find it normal to put comments like that on any form of social media.”
Police Scotland have said they are investigating the comments posted on the social media site.
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that we are looking into the comments posted on a social media site.”
