Father of Chris Atherton speaks out after son receives abuse for switching allegiances

Chelsea's Chris Atherton. Pic via Chelsea FC

Stephen Atherton, father of young Chris Atherton who on Thursday confirmed his switching of international allegiances from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, has spoken out following the online abuse his son received following the switch.

He wrote on X: "Our family and our Son are on the receiving end of a lot of hatred this morning. Grateful for the opportunity to set the record straight. We won’t be commenting further and Christopher will continue to do his talking on the pitch."

Chris, 17, is a Chelsea academy player who has been touted by many as being a bright talent for the future. 

He made history in 2022 during his time at Glenavon when he became the youngest player to play senior football in the UK, then aged 13 years and 329 days.

He has since played for the north at Under-16 and Under-17 level. His move to Chelsea was confirmed last July though he had been linked with the London club for some time.

He has become a regular in Chelsea's U17 and U18 sides this season, playing in an attacking midfield role. His former manager at Glenavon, Gary Hamilton, has likened his playing style to Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden.

His former Glenavon teammate David McDaid said in 2024: “It is scary how good he is...I don't say that lightly about many kids, but I haven't seen anyone like him, to be honest. Whoever gets him will be very lucky because he is a scary talent at a young age."

It was the player's father Stephen who appeared to announce the switch to the Republic, writing on X, "Delighted for Christopher that this has finally went through. Thanks to all the people at the FAI for their help and support during this process."

Meanwhile current Republic starlet Trent Kone-Doherty has been linked with a move from Liverpool to Molde.

Kone-Doherty has represented Ireland up to U21 level and made his competitive debut for Liverpool last season in the FA Cup.