BBC · Oct 25, 2022
Aston Villa: Praise for Ings's autism headset gesture
Riley Regan told BBC Radio WM he gave matchwinner Danny Ings good luckAn Aston Villa player is being praised for raising awareness of autism by wearing ear protection alongside a matchday mascot in the same gear.
Striker Danny Ings walked on to the Villa Park pitch on Sunday hand in hand with nine-year-old Riley Regan.
Riley has autism and ADHD and relies on the headset to cope with loud noises, including cheering crowds.
Images of the pair have since generated rafts of supportive comments on social media.
Comedian Paddy McGuinness - who has three children with autism - was among those to offer praise.