Footballer allegedly stands up to stammering abuse

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Luke Ayling, during his time at Leeds Utd (courtesy of Sports Mole, via WikiCommons)

Middlesbrough FC star Luke Ayling challenged Southampton opponent Taylor Harwood-Bellis on-pitch, allegedly for mocking his stammer.

During a Championship semi-final between the two sides on Tuesday night, an altercation broke out when the Middlesbrough defender confronted Harwood-Bellis in front of the referee.

It's not clear exactly what was said, but according to news reports the Southampton player used discriminatory language about Ayling's speech. 

Luke Ayling has spoken out about the fact that he stammers, and took part in a panel discussion event about stammering in sport in 2024, hosted by the BBC Stammering Support Network. 

Today, the Football Association announced it will not take action after Ayling said he wouldn't pursue the allegation. 

If there's one positive to take from this story, it's that news articles have highlighted the fact that stammering can be classed as a disability and as such, abuse aimed at someone who stammers is discriminatory.

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