Cruel abuse of Maguire has gone too far...

IT'S probably expecting too much to hope that the supporters who have ridiculed Harry Maguire at away games for club and country recently have felt a sense of embarrassment after the defender's comments while on international duty this week.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Speaking while with the England squad, Maguire said his family no longer attend games as often as they once did because of the abuse that comes the way of the 30-year-old now, often for no good reason other than a bit of fun for those involved.

In the last international break, Gareth Southgate rounded on the way Maguire is treated in the mainstream media, social media and by pundits, leaving him an easy target for supporters, and it's clear he has become something of a pantomime villain in recent years, only without the laughs at the end.

Maguire's every touch was cheered by Scotland fans at Hampden Park and it was a similarly bizarre introduction he had against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season, when he was cheered by the Arsenal supporters. On that occasion, the away end began signing his name. He was supported by England fans in Glasgow as well, although they're hardly absolved from blame for the treatment that seems to accompany the centreback now. He was booed at Wembley in March last year when playing for England against Ivory Coast.