Aymeric Le Meignen, a friend of the child’s father, told Le Parisien: “After Aston Villa’s goal, an Englishman pulled Mael’s father’s hat, he must have spotted us. We didn’t respond. At half-time, we saw security approaching. We said to ourselves that, really, they weren’t going to let a kid out. Nine security guards came to tell us that it was forbidden for French people to sit with English people.

“Before the match, we walked around, clinked glasses, and chatted with people. Everything was going very well. Some guys around us, in the stadium, reported us. The little boy was crying in front of security. I didn’t think they would do that to a child.”

News of Villa’s ruthlessness reached PSG star Lucas Hernandez, who got in touch with the teenager. The French giants have offered to host the entourage in the clash with Nice next Friday, while Nantes have also gifted tickets for the youngster when PSG visit next week.

WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?