The teenage footballer who suffered horrific online abuse from trolls over her appearance let her football do the talking at the weekend.
Skye Stout, 16, was subjected to abhorrent comments after her unveiling by Scottish side Kilmarnock on Thursday – before the football world rallied around her.
The Ayrshire club made the sad decision to take down the social media posts announcing her arrival in light of the abuse over her skin condition.
However, there has since been an overwhelming number of positive comments wishing Skye well in her first season in senior football.
Bouncing back in style, she silenced them during Kilmarnock Women’s Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 match against St Johnstone on Sunday.
Indeed, the midfielder stepped up and scored a first-half free-kick to make it 4-2.
Teenager Skye Stout scored her first goal for Kilmarnock days after horrific online abuse
Skye netted a free-kick during her side’s 6-2 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday
Kilmarnock posted on X: ’37’ | SKYE STOUT!
‘Skye fires in a free-kick on the edge of the box!’
She was also involved in her side’s third goal, setting up team-mate Cara Gray.
The thrilling game at Winton Park in Ardrossan finished 6-2 to Kilmarnock. Skye had played 62 minutes before being substituted to a warm reception.
The trolling over her unveiling photos was first brought to light by football organisation Team Grassroots, who said the posts were deleted after a few hours.
They said on X: ‘Please send your love and support to 16-year-old Skye Stout from Scotland. And don’t let the ignorant bullies win.
‘Yesterday, the official page of the Scottish club Kilmarnock women’s team announced the club had signed a contract with 16-year-old midfielder Skye Stout.
‘A grassroots player signing her first pro contract should have been a moment to cherish for her; however, Skye was forced to endure ridicule from ignorant and disrespectful fans who began to humiliate her over her facial acne.
‘Things escalated to the point where the club decided to delete all posts mentioning Skye Stout in an effort to stop the bullying from haters.’
Underneath the post, a host of journalists and former players united behind Skye.
Jamie Carragher wrote: ‘Good luck Skye.’
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen added: ‘BE THE BEST, Skye! Go get it!!!’
‘Sending our support to Skye, good luck for the new season and an exciting first year in senior football,’ Exeter City Women’s official account posted.
Former Scottish First Minister Hamza Yusef also voiced his support, dubbing the trolls ‘sad’ and ‘pathetic’. He posted: ‘Skye Stout has just signed for Kilmarnock. At 16 she has already achieved more than her trolls ever will.
‘Imagine being a grown man abusing a 16-year-old? What a sad, pathetic, unhappy life these trolls have.’
