The youngster was pulled out of his school after being bullied since Year 7
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Alex is a big City fan
Alex is a big City fan(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A teenager whose parents pulled him out of the school where he was being bullied has been sent a message of support from his favourite football players.
Having heard about the incidents involving Alex McGarrie, whose parents believe was targeted because of his autism at Hazel Grove High in Stockport, Manchester City Football Club got in touch.
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After contacting Alex's dad David through the Manchester Evening News, the players have now sent a video message to the 14-year-old.
Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne and Nico Gonzalez all feature in the clip sent to Alex, saying they're 'sorry to hear what you've been going through'.
Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne and Nico Gonzalez all feature in the clip sent to Alex
Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne and Nico Gonzalez all feature in the clip sent to Alex
(Image: Manchester City FC)
"You are 10 times better than the bullies," says Kovacic, with Gonzalez adding: "We are all thinking of you and hoping you can make it to a game soon."
Alex and his dad have been invited to the Leicester City fixture on Wednesday evening and the club is sending a package of treats to the teenager after the match as a thank you for his support.
Last month we reported the full extent of the alleged assaults on the youngster, one of which was filmed on a mobile phone showing a boy sitting on Alex to pin him down while hitting his head.
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The incident happened in December but Alex, a keen darts player hadn't even told his parents it had taken place. It was only when it was shared on social media in February that he opened up about the attack.
Since the article was published, Alex's dad has been inundated with messages from readers who were saddened to hear about the youngster's experience at high school.
Alex has always been a big Man City fan
Alex has always been a big Man City fan (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
And he's already had darts champion Luke Humphries reaching out to offer a special VIP trip for Alex to meet Premier League Darts stars backstage when the event comes to Manchester's AO Arena on April 10.
Thanking Manchester City for sending the video, David said: "I showed it to him and he was happy that De Bruyne was on it as he's one of his favourite players.
"With his autism Alex is very difficult to read as he does not show emotions that well, but he is looking forward to the match tonight.
"This type of emotion thing is also the problem with the bullying as he does not see danger and is too trusting, which some take advantage of."
The issue of bullying at Hazel Grove High School, run by the Laurus Trust, has been raised by both David's MP Lisa Smart and MP Tom Morrison, whose constituency includes the school.
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Alex's family recently had a meeting with Stockport Council's education department to discuss Alex's needs and the move to a new school after the youngster decided he does not wish to return there.