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Footballer sacked over 'disgusting' deceased daughter tweet

An English non-league footballer who trolled another player on social media about the death of his daughter, has been sacked by his club.

Hitchin forward Alfie Barker made the "disgusting" comments to Bournemouth player Harry Arter, after the Cherries’ 3-3 draw with Arsenal in the English Premier League.

Barker, an Arsenal fan, targeted the Bournemouth midfielder after his side squandered a 3-0 lead to eventually draw with the Gunners.

"Big hype just for a disappointment like the nine months leading up to your child’s birth," Barker posted to Arter on Twitter.

The vulgar post was in reference to the baby daughter Arter’s wife tragically lost at birth in 2015.

Barker's post which has since been deleted. Pic: Twitter
Barker's post which has since been deleted. Pic: Twitter

The Hitchin player initially claimed his account was hacked, before issuing an apology.

"I'd like to apologise to Harry Arter and his family for such disgraceful comments and I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart," Barker wrote.

Arter was the target of Barker's disgusting post. Pic: Getty
Arter was the target of Barker's disgusting post. Pic: Getty

Barker, who suffers from ADHD and a mild form of autism, attempted to explain what prompted such a disgraceful attack on Arter and his family.

"I was watching Arsenal at home and I was hyper. At 3-0 down they weren't playing well and I was annoyed," he said.

"I'd had a couple of beers and was frustrated at the way the team was playing and I just lashed out. I have no idea why I focused on Harry Arter and his family and I am so, so sorry for what I have done.

"It was a moment of madness. It's the worst thing I've ever done in my life, but it is so out of character. I honestly don't know why I did it.

"I also completely understand why Hitchin Town took the action they did and I completely agree they did the right thing."

Barker has apologised and understands why he was sacked. Pic: Getty
Barker has apologised and understands why he was sacked. Pic: Getty

Hitchin also released a statement condemning the actions of their former player, who was on loan at Codicote FC.

"Alfie Barker was registered to play for Hitchin Town in the Southern League and has appeared only briefly for the club in the 2016-17 season," the statement read.

"He has been playing at Langford and Codicote on a dual registration basis.

"The club adopts a responsible approach to social media and would expect any player connected to Hitchin Town to do likewise.

"In the light of the player’s irresponsible and anti-social behaviour, we are terminating Alfie Barker’s registration and relationship with the club with immediate effect.

"We would reiterate that Hitchin Town, as a community club with established links with various segments of the public, has been a long-time user of social media channels and expects all club stakeholders to use them appropriately."

Barker’s Twitter account has since been deactivated and the FA has asked for his observations in relation to postings on social media.

Barker has seven days from Thursday, 5 January to respond to the FA's request.