Manchester City forward James McAtee has been criticised for 'ruining' a child's birthday when he decided not to give away his shirt because he saw the youngster had a Sheffield Wednesday coat on.

McAtee was an unused substitute as City beat Club Brugge to scrape into the Champions League knock-out stages and set up a mouth-watering play-off with Real Madrid.

The youngster had left the Etihad and returned to the City Football Academy over the road before leaving the training ground in his Mercedes with his girlfriend.

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A video on social media shows him stopping for waiting fans, before winding down his window and offering his match shirt to a young supporter who is waiting. However, just as he went to pass the shirt to a steward to give to the fan, he changed his mind, noticing the fan was wearing a Sheffield Wednesday coat.

McAtee spent two seasons on loan at Wednesday's rivals Sheffield United and developed a close bond with their supporters, and will be fully aware of the strong rivalry between the Steel City teams.

It is understandable for McAtee to be hesitant in the situation, wary of potential negative headlines, but it seems he was unable to avoid criticism.

A social media post seemingly by the mother (via the Mirror) said that McAtee's actions ruined the night of the child and that it was their birthday - information the City man potentially did not know. The post read: "Imagine traveling all that way, braving the freezing cold after watching a Champions League game, just for your little football-mad 10-year-old to have his birthday night ruined.

"[McAtee] had the chance to make a birthday unforgettable-he handed out his shirt, and you should have seen the pure joy on the kids' faces! But then, when it came to [the child], he changed his mind... all because of a [Sheffield Wednesday] badge on his coat. Never mind that he was head-to-toe in [City] gear, having spent all his birthday money in the club shop that night.

"Kids look up to their idols, whether they support a local team or one of the biggest in the world. Not everyone can get to the Etihad every week, but that doesn't make them any less of a fan. Moments like these shape how young supporters see the game-and their heroes. It's a shame when football forgets what really matters."