NON-LEAGUE PLAYER SACKED FOR SICKENING ONLINE ABUSE OF BOURNEMOUTH'S ARTER

The Irishman was the subject of an attack from a troll, whose former side described his behaviour as "irresponsible and anti-social"
Alfie Barker has been sacked by Hitchin Town after the non-league footballer sent offensive tweets to Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter about the death of his daughter.

Arter was the subject of sickening online abuse as Bournemouth played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal on Tuesday, with the Irishman on the receiving end of tweets regarding his stillborn daughter.
The 27-year-old suffered heartbreak in December 2015 following the death of his baby.

Barker, 19, tweeted: "Big hype just for a disappointment like the nine months leading up to your child's birth."
Hitchin Town reacted by axing the forward, who had 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," Wednesday's statement read.

"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."

Speaking to the BBC , Barker said: "I was watching Arsenal at home and I was hyper. At 3-0 down they weren't playing well and I was annoyed.
"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."